Towards Sustainable Mobility: A Roadmap for establishing a Community of Practice in Porto

SSH CENTRE (Social Sciences and Humanities for Climate, Energy aNd Transport Research Excellence) is a project funded by the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The project aims to support cross-sectoral collaboration and empower citizens and networks to develop socially innovative solutions for the European Union’s (EU) climate transition, as well as strengthening SSH-STEM collaboration, transdisciplinary policy advice, inclusive engagement and SSH communities across Europe1. More information on the project is available via its website. In 2023, the project launched its Knowledge Brokerage Programme on Sustainability Transitions which aims to design and implement Knowledge Brokerage (KB) activities for climate, energy and mobility policy-making. The Programme involves 30 early- and mid-career researchers with a Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) background, organised into six teams, each of which is developing an SSH KB initiative in cooperation with a European city administration. This is the Communities of Practice (CoP) Document of the Mobility Communities KB initiative in Porto, Portugal. The initiative is developed in partnership with the Municipality of Porto. Participants in this work: Daniel Freitas, Head of Carbon Neutrality in Porto; André Brochado, Mayor’s Advisor; Ana Sofia Barreto, Head of the Municipal Mobility Department; Bruno Eugénio, Head of the Municipal Division of Mobility Management; and José Ferreira, Municipal Division of Mobility Planning. The research team consists of: María Alonso Raposo, cambiaMO; Juliana Carvalho, University of Porto - INESC TEC; Máté János Lőrincz, University of Reading; Emma Lawlor, University of Glasgow; and Rebecca Rossetti, University of Bologna. The research team is supported by Julius Wesche, on behalf of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), which is an SSH CENTRE consortium partner. The main aim of this KB initiative is to provide SSH perspectives and methods to help identify the mobility-related challenges faced by the city of Porto and potential strategies leading to improved sustainable urban mobility in line with its strong climate ambitions. The core purpose is to kickstart the formation of a collaborative network where various stakeholders related to mobility in Porto can actively engage in sharing knowledge and forming a CoP. Following the sign-off of the plan (defined in the “”design document”), the main initiative lasted 6 months (February to July 2024). An intermediate workshop (City Hub Workshop) was held on the 17th and 18th of April in Porto. In particular, this CoP report explores the purpose and importance of CoPs, particularly in promoting sustainable mobility practices. Drawing on key findings from the mobility literature, it is explored how CoPs facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration between different stakeholders. Best practices for analysing mobility data from multiple sources within a CoP setting are also highlighted. Ultimately, this report provides the knowledge and practical guidance needed to establish and manage an effective CoP dedicated to advancing sustainable mobility solutions. Section two of this document is focused on establishing and running a CoP. It begins by exploring the conceptual aspects of CoPs, reflecting on their significance in knowledge management, particularly in fostering learning, innovation, and problem-solving. Next, the focus is on potential topics that can be addressed through CoPs, outlining different types and their applicability. Attention is then given to identifying key stakeholders, detailing their roles and responsibilities, and highlighting the importance of diverse participation and expertise. Subsequently, the steps necessary for initiating CoPs are explained, strategies for fostering participation and engagement, best practices for sustaining CoPs over time, and addressing challenges with potential solutions for effective management. Following this, real-world case study examples of successful CoPs in various fields are presented, illustrating how they were established, operated, and maintained, along with the lessons learned and insights gained from each case study. The section concludes with key findings from the report and outlines the next steps for the KB initiative. Section three focuses on presenting a preliminary roadmap for establishing a CoP in Porto, Portugal. Based on foundational activities and insights from a recent workshop in the city, a preliminary roadmap for establishing a CoP in Porto is outlined. This roadmap is designed to serve as a starting point for creating a CoP focused on sustainable urban mobility, fostering ongoing collaboration and engagement. It begins with an overview of Porto’s urban mobility challenges and sustainability goals, followed by key mobility issues that underscore the strategic importance of a CoP. Insights from the workshop are provided, highlighting the role of data in sustainable urban mobility transitions. The section concludes by addressing the next steps for establishing a CoP in Porto, revisiting the core questions of why, what, who, and how to create and manage a CoP for sustainable urban mobility. Section four is focused on drawing conclusions from our exploration of CoPs and their application in sustainable urban mobility, particularly within the context of Porto. This section highlights some key aspects to consider, such as including stakeholder engagement, capacity building, policy advocacy, implementation of sustainable mobility projects, and establishing robust monitoring and evaluation processes.