A Czech delegation from the smart mobility sector led by CzechInvest visited the United Kingdom on 22-26 May 2023. The aim of this visit was to better understand the institutional structures and functioning of the UK smart mobility sector and at the same time to create space for possible cooperation in the field of research and development.
"The UK is at an advanced stage of smart mobility development with the support of government strategies and initiatives. The UK is still in a growth phase and has great potential for further innovation and development in smart mobility, including through the Mobility Innovation Hub within the Technology Incubation Project. The visit of the entire delegation provided important insights and created a basis for future cooperation between the two countries. Cooperation between R&D actors can contribute to further innovation and strengthening of the smart mobility sector in both the UK and Czechia," said Erik Bolebruch, Director of the CzechInvest International Representation for the UK and Ireland.
During the visit, the Czech delegation was welcomed by a number of key players in the mobility sector, such as Zenzic, an organisation that supports mobility development in the UK, and InnovateUK and Knowledge Transfer Network, national technology agencies that support innovation and technological development. The visit also took place at two leading test centres - UTAC and Horiba Mira - which focus on innovation in the field of electric and autonomous vehicles, where a tour of the test polygons took place.
In addition, the delegation met with the authorities in the Midlands - Transport for West Midlands and West Midlands Growth Company, which are actively involved in strategic planning and development of smart mobility in the West Midlands region. The delegation was also welcomed at two universities - Warwick University, home to the Warwick Manufacturing Group, and the University of Birmingham. Finally, the delegation visited private organisations that are developing and implementing new technologies in practice - the Smart Mobility Living Lab in London and leading electric car manufacturer Tesla.
The following institutions and companies participated in the mission on behalf of Czechia: Ministry of Transport, Mobility Innovation Hub, Autoklastr, VŠB - Technical University Ostrava, Technical University Liberec, Centre for New Technologies from the University of West Bohemia and Škoda Auto, Kontrolka and Fluidea.
The programme was funded by the national programme to support economic diplomacy PROPED.
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david.horinek@czechinvest.org