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The logistics sector plays a central role in European automotive research. This is evident from the inclusion of companies ALICE, Einride, and Gruber Logistics in the newly established EU expert group EURIAS. This group, which convened for the first time in Brussels on March 27, 2026, aims to shape the future of research and innovation in the automotive sector. The integration of logistics into the innovation process demonstrates that it is no longer viewed merely as a downstream aspect but as an essential component of automotive development.
EURIAS, the abbreviation for European Union Research and Innovation for the Automotive Sector, brings together around 60 organizations, including automobile manufacturers, suppliers, research and technology institutions, and universities. The membership of ALICE, Einride, and Gruber Logistics underscores the importance of logistics in the transformation of the automotive sector.
Role of ALICE in the Expert Group
ALICE, the Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe, has established itself as a key player in promoting strategic research and innovation. The organization contributes experiences from major European initiatives such as 2ZERO and CCAM and actively shapes innovation in the logistics sector. ALICE Secretary General Fernando Liesa (right) emphasizes the significance of EURIAS: “EURIAS is a crucial step to ensure that Europe’s innovations in the automotive sector reach the market and are fully integrated into real logistics processes and systems.”
The Swedish company Einride, represented by Pia Wijk (center), Project Manager Research & Innovation, specializes in autonomous and emission-free transport and brings valuable perspectives on new truck technologies to the group.
Commitment of Gruber Logistics
Gruber Logistics, an internationally active transport and logistics company from South Tyrol, emphasizes the need for close collaboration among various stakeholders. Andrea Condotta (left), Director Public Affairs, Innovation & Sustainability at Gruber Logistics, highlights: “The transformation of the European automotive industry can only succeed through close cooperation between policymakers, researchers, industry, and the logistics sector.” The company contributes its experience in managing complex supply chains to ensure that innovations are practical and ready for deployment.
The expert group has clear tasks: it supports the European Commission with expertise on research and innovation priorities along the entire value chain of the automotive industry. Additionally, it identifies key future topics that can strengthen the competitiveness of the European automotive sector. By June 2026, the group will work on a Strategic Research, Innovation, and Implementation Agenda (SRIDA).
The recommendations arising from EURIAS are intended to be implemented in the next European multiannual financial framework (2028–2034). This will help shape future EU instruments, particularly the next framework program for research and innovation as well as the European Fund for Competitiveness.
