Transport and infrastructure research publications

POSTnote

Smart Cities

Wednesday, 22 September, 2021

"Smart cities" describes places that incorporate a range of technologies (especially those that collect and use data) to address economic, social, and environmental challenges. Projects usually take place in urban areas, but are also deployed in rural settings. This POSTnote looks at smart city innovation in the UK and the technologies involved. It considers the factors driving the adoption of smart city technologies, and the potential benefits, barriers and risks associated with their implementation.
POSTnote

Defence of space-based assets

Wednesday, 15 September, 2021

Space-based assets (satellites and the terrestrial ground stations that communicate with them) provide critical support to military and civilian operations. They are vulnerable to unintentional damage and disruption, and to deliberate attack. This POSTnote outlines how the UK uses and accesses satellites, potential risks to satellites, and approaches to mitigation.
POSTnote

Environmental housing standards

Wednesday, 01 September, 2021

Buildings have varied impacts on the environment, arising from energy, water and land use as well as the release of pollutants. Residential buildings also affect occupants’ health and wellbeing through their design and placement within the wider environment. This POSTnote summarises the factors affecting a building’s environmental performance, the existing governance framework and the potential opportunities for delivering wider social benefits through relevant standards.
POSTnote

Coastal management

Friday, 16 July, 2021

The UK coastline is shaped by interactions between complex social, ecological, and physical processes. Increasing coastal flood and erosion risk is a major climate adaptation challenge. This POSTnote examines coastal management in England, associated issues and how an adaptive approach can better prepare the country for uncertain future sea level rise under climate change.
POSTnote

Regulating product sustainability

Thursday, 10 June, 2021

Products can be designed to maximise life cycle energy- and resource-efficiency, from raw material extraction to end-of-life treatment. This POSTnote outlines key aspects of, and consumer attitudes towards, sustainable products. It considers challenges associated with their design, production, regulation and supporting business models as part of a circular economy. ‘End-of-life’ treatment and value recovery, through reuse, recycling and other methods, are discussed.
POSTnote

Low-carbon hydrogen supply

Thursday, 10 June, 2021

Hydrogen could play a significant role in tackling climate change. Using it does not produce carbon dioxide, so it could replace fossil fuels in a range of applications. It may also provide valuable energy storage. However, almost all hydrogen production currently results in greenhouse gas emissions. Methods of producing it that do not emit greenhouse gases would need to increase for it to contribute to climate change mitigation. Governments and industry in the UK and abroad are aiming to increase low-carbon hydrogen supply. The UK Government will publish a Hydrogen Strategy in 2021.
POSTnote

Developing essential digital skills

Friday, 07 May, 2021

Digital skills are increasingly important for day-to-day life, including for communication, accessing services and employment. However, around a fifth of the population do not have essential digital skills for life as defined by the UK Government. While research suggests the number of people with basic digital skills has increased in recent years, concerns remain about those who lack them. Experts have highlighted that digitally excluded people may experience various negative impacts, including poorer health outcomes and social isolation This POSTnote gives an overview of digital skills in the UK, the impact of a lack of digital skills on outcomes in areas such as employment and health, and initiatives in place to improve digital skills.
Horizon scanning

An introduction to Research for Parliament 2021

Thursday, 29 April, 2021

Experts have helped us find 30 areas of change to help the UK Parliament prepare for the future.
Horizon scanning

The future of UK research: structure and funding

Thursday, 29 April, 2021

In its 2017 Industrial Strategy, the UK Government set out a target of investing 2.4% of GDP on R&D by 2027. How is it planning to reach this target? What are the uncertainties emerging from COVID-19 and the withdrawal from the European Union?
Horizon scanning

Business priorities post-COVID

Thursday, 29 April, 2021

COVID-19, Brexit and consumer behaviours are changing the way businesses operate. What could the impact be on manufacturing, retail and service provision?
Horizon scanning

How technology is accelerating changes in the way we work

Thursday, 29 April, 2021

Many organisations have turned to technology during the COVID-19 pandemic to aid social distancing. Could ongoing automation reinforce existing inequalities?
Horizon scanning

The impact of remote and flexible working arrangements

Thursday, 29 April, 2021

Flexible working could increase wellbeing and productivity, but benefits are not equally distributed throughout the population and could increase inequalities.
Horizon scanning

Differing approaches to reaching Net Zero: pathways and timing

Thursday, 29 April, 2021

The UK aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. While industry support for the target is growing, some argue the target must be brought forward to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Horizon scanning

Upskilling and retraining the adult workforce

Thursday, 29 April, 2021

Upskilling and retraining adults is key to addressing future challenges and benefits productivity, health and wellbeing, social justice and communities.
Horizon scanning

Environmental stewardship of the global commons

Thursday, 29 April, 2021

The global commons include the atmosphere, ice sheets, a stable climate, biodiversity and even space. What is their current state and how can they be protected?

Total results (page 2 of 11)