EUTRAIN partners held a kick-off meeting on 17 October, followed by a meeting of the Network of Associated Entities (NAE).

In the field of Transport research, the EU and other national, federal or regional entities face common mobility related problems and challenges. International Cooperation in Transport research is becoming therefore an increasing priority aiming, primarily, at creating “critical mass” in moving collaboratively to solve critical 21st century transportation challenges.

This is where the newly launched EC-funded project EUTRAIN will play a key role by establishing – through international cooperation in transport research – the free circulation of specialised knowledge, experience and know how in facing transport problems and challenges and create through collaboration the conditions for more “breakthrough” research and achievements that would otherwise require more time and resources if faced individually and separately. In addition, EUTRAIN can both help to strengthen European Transport Area (ERA-T) as well as boost Europe’s competitiveness in the global economy.

The project is coordinated by ECTRI and the consortium includes: ERTICO – ITS Europe, FEHRL, EURNEX and Volvo Technology Corporation. The project will last for two years and will end in 2013.

EUTRAIN partners held a kick-off meeting on 17 October, followed by a meeting of the Network of Associated Entities (NAE). This Network gathers organisations involved in Transport Research and will be closely associated with the project and will be invited to join the main project activities. Additionally a Network of Related Entities (NRE) has been set-up by gathering organisations who will provide their views in what regards the project’s findings and proposals.

More information on EUTRAIN can found here and will soon be available on a special EUTRAIN website.