Dutch Research Agenda honours consortium led by Jafar Rezaei
Nineteen consortia received funding from NWA-ORC to work on scientific and societal breakthroughs. Of these, two NWA-ORC awards go to TU Delft scientists. Active collaboration between different research disciplines, different knowledge institutions and with public sectors and industry are at the core of the projects. The projects have received funding in the fourth round of the Dutch Research Agenda programme Research along Routes by Consortia (NWA-ORC).
Jafar Rezaei and his team are one of the two awarded consortia within Delft University of Technology. Their project is titled: “It's a cargo match!...” Attaining waste-free and effective freight transport systems by seamlessly matching demand and supply with inclusive, smart, and green-oriented booking platforms. This project aims to design a digital matching platform that is both effective and sustainable for composite services, known explicitly as Freight Mobility as a Service (FMaaS).
Public support for the externalities and expansion of the transport system is declining. Current approaches to transport optimisation, market structure, and chain governance do not lead sufficiently to the optimal use of available capacity in transport networks. The platform economy offers opportunities to better align supply and demand in transport networks, but also has risks if a platform provider itself becomes too dominant. In this project, we develop the generic functionality and preconditions for a digital matching platform for composing and booking services from multiple providers, and apply them to intermodal transport networks. The project contributes to reducing carbon emissions by promoting the development of a lean system based on the principles of waste reduction and economies of scale.
The project stands out for its unique approach to designing a matching platform within the intricate and fragmented transport industry. Ultimately, they strive to enhance the efficiency and resilience of the transportation chain while minimizing waste and effectively responding to disruptions.
Rezaei: “The prestigious NWA-ORC funding is a significant achievement for our team and validates our hard work and dedication to developing our innovative project. The funding will enable us to further enhance our research and development efforts […]. We are grateful for the recognition and support from NWO, and we look forward to leveraging this opportunity to drive a positive impact and contribute to the advancement of the transport and logistics sector.”
Please, read the press release of NWO for more information.
