General Assembly of the Network of Polytechnic Schools of the Mediterranean
In Thessaloniki, from April 15th to 17th
2010, it took place the General Assembly of the Network of
Polytechnic Schools of the Mediterranean (Réseau Méditerranéen des
Ecoles d' Ingénieurs - RMEI). A round table on
"Med-Tracking initiative", funded by the Invest in Med Programme,
was organized on the last day of works of the General Assembly.
The business and innovation community "Med-Tracking", was
launched in November 2009 in Marseille, for the development of a
prototype for tracking freight and various transport modes. In
addition to the members of the RMEI, the community associates
representatives of port authorities, industry (companies),
representatives of transport ministries and the customs and
researchers in logistics and transport.
More specifically, "Med -Tracking" community foresees a series
of actions, which will provide a framework for exchanging best
practices, accurately quantifying the stakes in terms of markets,
identifying needs with regard to training for the players and
preparing for specific actions (market studies, development of a
prototype, pooling of research, training and test facilities),
which should result in the achievement of strong investments by
2015, in order to meet the challenges raised by the secure
transport of containers and the difficulties related to costs and
security issues. The process is based on the analysis of end-user
needs. A market and positioning study completed recently, which
shall provide the basis for delivering recommendations for specific
actions, to be presented during the forthcoming conference in
Civitavecchia - Italy in June 2010.
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (ERDF PP-9)
participates in this initiative. During the session dedicated to
it, Prof.
Taxiltaris and M. Miltiadou gave a presentation entitled
"Freight Transport in SEE: Initiatives - Actions - Networks". In
the context of their intervention, the speakers informed the
participants on the SEE Transport Axis Cooperation and about its
contents and aims. Especially concerning the final outcomes of
SEETAC, which comprises the prioritization of projects and some
pilots for immediate promotion, it was discussed the potential of
the synergy of the two initiatives, since the Med-Tracking region
comprises the wider reference region of SEETAC.
During the meeting, the SEETAC brochure (prepared by ERDF-PP8
INFORMEST) was disseminated to the participants of the General
Assembly.