CivTech 5 Challenge 7 - How can we use technology to create a smart and sustainable travel network in remote and rural areas?

Description

The geography of the Highlands and Islands results in a challenging transport environment, covering almost 50% of Scotland’s landmass but with only 10% of its population. While dispersed settlements are reliant on a good transport network for connectivity and access to key services, the financial sustainability of traditional transport services is a significant challenge. Traditional models are based on a “critical mass” of demand which by its very nature is lacking in most rural and remote areas. Now more than ever it is important we understand the transport available for use within the region (including buses, ferries, trains, car clubs and cycling), and create a more flexible, demand-responsive system that meets the needs of users, calculates and understands travel patterns as well as addressing cost efficiencies and long-term viability. We know there here are huge opportunities to use technology to create a smart and sustainable travel network in remote and rural areas. So how can we transform the future of rural transport and support out highland communities to thrive? Please visit our website for information on CivTech and how to get involved https://www.civtechalliance.org/civtech-innovation-flow About CivTech CivTech brings together public sector expertise and private sector innovation to solve real problems, develop new products, and deliver better, faster and easier services for everyone. Central to the approach is co-production with the citizen. Part of the Scottish Government’s Digital Directorate, CivTech’s approach is helping transform public sector engagement with tech and innovation, delivering significant benefits to public services, producing genuine uplifts for the Scottish economy - and along the way, making lives better. Across the country there are problems public sector organisations would like to solve and in the current environment the need for smart, efficient and effective products has never been greater. The Scottish Government is aware innovation is a good way to create them and is committed to ensuring a large part of its tech spend goes to smaller, innovative businesses. This is where CivTech comes in. The CivTech Innovation Flow is designed to create solutions to public sector problems as quickly and effectively as possible. For you – whether you’re an individual, team or company – it’s an opportunity to take a Challenge, solve it, and win contracts with a blue-chip public sector organisation. You’ll build a product, and a business to take it as far as possible. Because here’s the kicker: the Challenges we issue aren’t ‘single organisation’ problems – most exist worldwide. In short: open Challenges are set. Any organisation, team or individual can respond to them. Applications are assessed, and shortlisted proposals go into an Exploration Stage where they’re developed further. The best go through to the Accelerator – a period of intensive work to create the solution, and through CivTech’s unique business workshop system, a business capable of taking the emerging product to the world. Please visit our website for information on CivTech and how to get involved https://www.civtechalliance.org/civtech-innovation-flow