BMFTR – AI-Based Climate-Neutral Mobility Systems in Model Regions

Funding is provided for research and development projects that address technological innovations in connection with social issues and innovations in climate-neutral mobility in model regions in Germany. 

Within its High-Tech Agenda Germany framework programme, this initiative (KI-basierte klimaneutrale Mobilitätssysteme in Modellregionen) of the Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR – Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space) aims to use AI and the development and use of low-emission mobility technologies to make regional mobility systems climate-friendly in Germany.

Funding is provided for joint projects in a model region that contribute to climate-neutral mobility through innovative solutions, the use of artificial intelligence and accelerated technology transfer and develop technological innovations that complement social innovations in the mobility system of a model region. To this end, practical experimental spaces will be set up in real-world laboratories. The aim is to make substantial contributions to the climate-neutral development of the region-specific mobility system. Specifically, projects are expected to focus on the following activities:

• Develop and test technology governance with regulatory, control and monitoring mechanisms in a mobility system.
• Develop, politically and structurally anchor, test and implement region-specific and binding transformation goals and impact pathways in model regions.
• Pursue an interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary and participatory research approach.
• Conduct an impact assessment throughout the project.

Consortia must address the following topics:

Innovative technological solutions for a climate-neutral mobility system.

In this area, technological solutions will be integrated into the existing, region-specific mobility system on the basis of research, with substantial use of AI and, where appropriate, social innovation. Potential areas of innovation include electric mobility, automated and autonomous driving, autonomous on-demand mobility, robotics-based mobility solutions, intelligent traffic management, networked mobility services, emission-free propulsion systems, as well as high-altitude and cable car systems.

Compatible governance arrangements for dealing with new technologies in mobility systems.

This area focuses on autonomous driving that requires complex, region-specific governance structures. Its development involves technological, legal, ethical, and social dimensions, as well as effective integration within multi-level governance systems. Key governance elements include legal regulation (such as licensing, liability, and data protection), technical standardisation (including safety requirements and interfaces), and guidelines for AI use and participatory processes. Coordination and cooperation among policymakers, industry, research institutions, and civil society are also essential.

Innovative transformation paths for model regions towards climate-neutral mobility.

Binding transformation targets for the model region must be accompanied by impact paths and time targets. Transformation targets are based on development processes involving influential regional stakeholders, research institutions and companies. Mature and exemplary solutions should achieve scalable and transferable impact.

Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research as well as AI-supported participation formats.

The overarching methodological framework is an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary, participatory research approach with systemic integration of technological, economic, political and civil society perspectives. The research design must ensure the early, continuous and structured participation of relevant social groups, particularly from the business community, local authorities and civil society actors. Participation should ensure the early identification and moderation of potential conflicts of interest. The possibilities offered by AI-supported participation should be exploited.

Impact evaluation.

The project-accompanying evaluation concept determines and evaluates the progress and success of the entire research network in terms of sustainability impact over the project period and beyond. It should be based on existing sets of indicators for measuring successes. Potential rebound effects should also be addressed.

The funding measure is part of the BMFTR ‘Stadt-Land-Zukunft’ (City-Country-Future) transformation initiative and serves to implement the Nachhaltige urbane Mobilität (Sustainable Urban Mobility) research agenda, the Research for Sustainability strategy (FONA Strategy 2020), the Deutsche Nachhaltigkeitsstrategie (German Sustainability Strategy) and the Bundes-Klimaschutzgesetz (Climate Protection Act 2021). The programme also contributes to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs 9, 11, 13) of the United Nations’ Agenda 2030. In addition, it contributes to the Strategie der Bundesregierung für autonomes Fahren im Straßenverkehr (Federal Strategy for Autonomous Driving in Road Traffic).

The BMFTR has appointed the project management agency DLR-Projektträger to administer the scheme on its behalf.

Funding body	Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR – Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space)
Maximum value	Discretionary
Reference ID	S28462
Category	Science and Technology Engineering and Physical Sciences Natural Environment
Fund or call	Fund