Research in the field of 'Inland waterway transport innovation'

Innovative initiatives are numerous in the inland navigation industry but they experience difficulties to spread quickly in the industry. The average age of the active Rhine fleet which has a relatively slow vessel replacement rate and the limited investment capability of the industry are often raised as main bottlenecks for innovation. Innovations are expected to be rational and to have positive business cases. This research examines the conditions for technological, organizational and cultural innovation in inland navigation to materialize effectively and successfully. The innovation process is researched by means of in-depth-case studies by applying methods such as Social Cost-Benefit Analysis (SCBA) and Systems of Innovation Analysis (SIA).

Keywords:INLAND WATERWAYS, TRANSPORT ECONOMICS

Disciplines:Economic development, innovation, technological change and growth