Emerging mobility technologies and transitions of urban space allocation in a Nordic governance context

Abstract

The urban mobility landscape is currently undergoing a period of major uncertainties, largely driven by a multitude of emerging technologies. This chapter aims to explore plausible future changes in urban space allocation from the combined emergence of mobility services and vehicle automation. To this end the intuitive logics scenario analysis is applied to a case in the Helsinki region. PESTLE workshops were used to provide a baseline for assessing driving forces, and for drafting the scenario matrix. Scenario plots highlight the importance of mobility service models, governance approach, and changes in the mobility culture. Furthermore, potential emerging governance approaches are discussed in a focus group with local transport planners to identify new policy levers, such as data and algorithm governance. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the wider implications for steering governance and innovation processes, whereas highlighting the complexity of political conflicts between urban space allocation and technological development.