Research areas

The main purposes of the IT for Electric Mobility programme's accompanying research are (i) to analyse the implementation of the seven model projects, (ii) to ensure the sustainability of the individual projects within the framework of the overall programme and (iii) to evaluate the project outcomes so that these can be quickly disseminated to the public. The accompanying research will also place a priority on supporting cooperative efforts between the individual projects themselves and between the projects and their surrounding communities.

For this reason, the institutes that conduct the accompanying research are in constant contact with the model projects. Within the framework of three specialised task forces (on interoperability, legal issues, and business scenarios), the researchers formulate guidelines and definitions for the mass production of ICT-based solutions for electric mobility. In addition, they collect, organise and systematise the acquired knowledge in order to make it readily transferable. The institutes in charge of accompanying research are also responsible for presenting the ICT for Electric Mobility programme effectively to the public.

This affects the concrete work of the researchers as follows:

• A key aim of the projects and the accompanying research is to produce generalisable knowledge. In addition, the research institutes are tasked with pooling, distilling and disseminating project findings and ensuring that the knowledge gained through the projects is sustainably documented in a manner that feeds into future developments. This will be done, for example, by utilising various knowledge management tools.
• Through the various task forces, the research institutes will create linkages between the model projects. These forums will address the key issues that cut across all projects and will develop solutions that can later be applied as standards.
• The objectives and outcomes of the seven model projects will be publicised effectively through targeted public outreach in both specialised and general media and at trade fairs. This will boost general public awareness of the important, forward-looking work being accomplished within the ICT for Electric Mobility programme.

The research institutes will also prepare interim reports outlining the progress being made in the projects. Upon conclusion of the projects, the research institutes will produce guidelines with the aim of perpetuating the acquired expertise and distributing it to a broader public. The research institutes will also evaluate the progress being made within the individual model projects. These evaluations will serve to

• create synergies between the projects as well as between the ICT for Electric Mobility programme and the E-Energy programme, another support programme operated by the Economics Ministry in interdepartmental cooperation with the Environment Ministry,
• identify, implement and coordinate (joint) research strategies and
• develop recommendations for improving relevant policy conditions.