Sustainable Tranportation Policy Lab

Sustainable Transport Lab: Driving Smart, Inclusive, and Future-Oriented Mobility Solutions

As urban populations continue to grow and environmental challenges intensify, the need for sustainable, human-centered, and technologically advanced transport planning has never been more urgent. The Sustainable Transport Lab serves as a pioneering research and development hub within the Institute, dedicated to addressing the complexity of contemporary urban mobility through both traditional and future-forward approaches.

Grounded in the core principles of Sustainable Transport — safety, affordability, accessibility, environmental sustainability, and multimodal integration — the Lab supports a broad spectrum of applied and strategic work. It functions not only as a center for research excellence but also as a catalyst for real-world transformation in transportation, mobility, and traffic systems.

Scope and Strategic Functions:

Strategic Policy Design and Planning:
The Lab plays a central role in formulating Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMP), strategic transport guidelines, and integrated policies that align with local, regional, and EU-level objectives. It contributes to the creation of long-term frameworks that prioritize sustainability, social inclusion, and environmental responsibility.

Direct Urban Interventions:
A core pillar of the Lab is its engagement in practical projects and design-based interventions, including pedestrianisation plans, walkability strategies, bike-friendly networks, and low-emission zones. These projects aim to reclaim urban spaces for people and the environment, enhancing livability and health in city environments.

Simulation and Smart Systems Integration:
The Lab is a front-runner in utilizing advanced simulation tools and predictive modeling to analyze and optimize urban transport systems. It explores Traffic Management Simulations, Smart Transportation Systems (ITS), data-driven scenario modeling, and multimodal transport planning to support decision-makers with evidence-based insights and future-resilient strategies.

Bridging Theory and Practice:
One of the Lab’s defining strengths is its commitment to translating research into tangible outcomes. Through collaboration with municipalities, ministries, universities, and mobility stakeholders, the Lab pilots and tests innovative approaches under real-life urban conditions — closing the gap between academic knowledge and practical implementation.

Data-Driven Planning and Capacity Building:
The Lab actively improves the availability, quality, and application of transport and mobility data, supporting informed decision-making at local, regional, and national levels. It also engages in capacity-building activities, offering guidance and technical assistance to public authorities, planners, and practitioners.

Current Projects:

Currently, the Lab is working on establishing the Simulation Center for Traffic and Mobility in Prishtina, a joint venture with Municipality of Prishtina that will serve as a critical platform for advancing smart, data-driven solutions to Prishtina’s growing urban mobility challenges. By utilizing cutting-edge simulation technologies, the Center enables real-time modeling and forecasting of traffic flows, public transport efficiency, pedestrian behavior, and multimodal transport scenarios. It supports evidence-based planning and policy-making, helping local authorities optimize traffic management, reduce congestion, and design more sustainable, human-centric mobility systems. As Prishtina continues to urbanize, the Simulation Center plays an essential role in shaping a safer, greener, and more efficient transport future for the city and its residents.

The Lab is also working on designing and publishing the EcoMobility Index for Kosovo Cities that aims to measure the sustainable transportation and mobility level of Kosovo cities and to support the transition towards sustainable, eco-friendly, and people-centered urban environments by integrating the EcoMobility approach into local planning and development strategies. Recognizing the urgent need to protect the geographic, environmental, and social fabric of cities, the project seeks to redefine urban mobility through a holistic and inclusive lens. By adopting the EcoMobility SHIFT framework, which is built around 20 well-structured indicators grouped into Enablers, Transport Systems and Services, and Results and Impacts, the project aims to empower local authorities with a robust assessment and planning tool. This tool will help cities measure current mobility performance, identify key challenges, and implement targeted improvements. At its core, the project promotes urban systems that prioritize walking, cycling, public transportation, and low-emission vehicles, while enhancing safety, accessibility, air quality, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Smart City Kosova is a landmark national initiative tending to gather experts and professionals from universities from Kosovo, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and Turkey, along with over 20 experts from academia and industry. Its goal is to develop a National Strategy for Smart and Sustainable Urban Development and create tailored Smart City Strategies for seven major municipalities—Prishtina, Prizren, Ferizaj, Peja, Gjilan, Vushtrri, and Lipjan—covering 30% of Kosovo’s territory and 45% of its population.

The project embraces a holistic, multisectoral approach, integrating technological and non-technological solutions through open data, AI, IoT, and digital innovation. It focuses on building data-driven, citizen-centric, and resilient urban systems.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Smart Economy & Resource Management: Circular economy, sustainable agriculture, smart tourism, and innovation ecosystems

  • Smart Infrastructure: Digital utilities, IoT systems, and public connectivity

  • Smart Transportation & Mobility: Integrated multimodal systems, real-time traffic management, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and low-emission mobility solutions

  • Carbon Neutrality: Renewable energy integration and just transition models

  • Climate Resilience: Disaster risk reduction and nature-based infrastructure

  • Digital Public Services: e-Health, digital libraries, and smart cultural heritage platforms

  • Governance & Participation: Citizen engagement, multi-level governance, and transparent monitoring frameworks

This initiative positions Kosovo as a regional leader in smart, inclusive, and sustainable urban transformation.