An introduction to MIND-SETS
The MIND-SETS project, funded by the European Commission Horizon 2020 Programme, will look at mobility from a variety of disciplines, such as economics, sociology, behavioural psychology and urban planning. The idea is to create a more comprehensive vision of mobility that combines concepts and terminology from all of these fields, one that can provide new direction for mobility decision makers and those involved in developing and providing new products and services.
MIND-SETS is based around three guiding principles: planet (sustainability), people (inclusion) and profit (growth). In other words, its task is to make sure that mobility growth, facilitated by policy and made real through innovations and investments in the public and private sector, happens in a sustainable way and includes all levels of society. Inclusion here is particularly important, as mobility has a significant impact on people’s opportunities, their status and even their self-esteem.
But who is responsible for ensuring that mobility is profitable, inclusive and sustainable? The MIND-SETS target groups, made up of decision-makers; manufacturers and providers of travel-related products and services; transport-related associations; funding programmes; and researchers, all play crucial roles in developing policies, products and services that meet user needs, particularly the needs of the underserved. These stakeholders are the ones that stand to benefit from the project, specifically from the MIND-SETS guidelines and MIND-SETS Knowledge Centre. The guidelines and MSKC will offer a more comprehensive picture of what transport users are truly looking for and will provide recommendations enabling them to not simply fulfil but surpass expectations.
