The IKIGAI project participated in Connecting Europe Days 2026, held in Brussels from 28 September to 1 October, presenting its approach to scaling logistics innovation through the Physical Internet, interoperability and zero-emission freight transport.
Through its participation in the Physical Internet Village and a dedicated Marketplace presentation, IKIGAI showcased practical tools and collaboration mechanisms designed to support the wider adoption of innovative logistics solutions.
IKIGAI at the Physical Internet Village
IKIGAI was represented at the Physical Internet Village, Stand 94, alongside five other European initiatives: Shift2Zero, DISCO, UNCHAIN, HOLOGISTICS and PILOTS.
The joint exhibition provided an opportunity for the IKIGAI team to engage with transport and logistics stakeholders, present the project’s activities and exchange ideas on scaling Physical Internet solutions. It also supported connections with other European initiatives working on collaborative, interoperable and sustainable logistics.
Presenting the IKIGAI impact creation ecosystem
On 30 September, Yuliya Sahitava from ALICE presented IKIGAI during the Smart Mobility session of the Connecting Europe Days Marketplace, moderated by Florence Ranson.
Her presentation, “IKIGAI: scaling TEN-T logistics through Physical Internet and zero-emission innovation”, introduced the IKIGAI impact creation ecosystem, which brings together six complementary elements:
- PI Rulebook: Practical guidance for scaling logistics innovations beyond technology readiness.
- PI Norm: Common processes and procedures supporting interoperable and Physical Internet-compliant logistics services.
- Five Logistics Innovations: Practical demonstrations of collaborative, scalable and more sustainable logistics solutions.
- PI Coalition: A network bringing together industry, research and other stakeholders to support adoption and implementation.
- Twin Transition Genome: A shared long-term roadmap for the digital and green transition of freight transport.
- Impact Augmenter Kit: Tools supporting the visibility, stakeholder engagement, exploitation and adoption of project results.
Together, these elements underpin IKIGAI’s three-step approach: build and standardise, scale, and maximise impact. The ecosystem aims to help logistics innovations progress from development and demonstration towards wider implementation across European logistics networks.
Supporting the wider adoption of Physical Internet solutions
IKIGAI’s participation at Connecting Europe Days provided an opportunity to present its work to the European transport community and discuss how Physical Internet principles can support more interconnected and sustainable freight operations.
Through its impact creation ecosystem, the project seeks to address barriers to innovation uptake by combining common frameworks, practical solutions and stakeholder collaboration.
The event reinforced IKIGAI’s focus on turning research and innovation into scalable logistics solutions, supporting interoperability, collaboration and the digital and green transition of European freight transport.
Supporting Physical Internet research and implementation in Japan
IKIGAI at the Physical Internet Village
IKIGAI was represented at the Physical Internet Village, Stand 94, alongside five other European initiatives: Shift2Zero, DISCO, UNCHAIN, HOLOGISTICS and PILOTS.
The joint exhibition provided an opportunity for the IKIGAI team to engage with transport and logistics stakeholders, present the project’s activities and exchange ideas on scaling Physical Internet solutions. It also supported connections with other European initiatives working on collaborative, interoperable and sustainable logistics.
Presenting the IKIGAI impact creation ecosystem
On 30 September, Yuliya Sahitava from ALICE presented IKIGAI during the Smart Mobility session of the Connecting Europe Days Marketplace, moderated by Florence Ranson.
Her presentation, “IKIGAI: scaling TEN-T logistics through Physical Internet and zero-emission innovation”, introduced the IKIGAI impact creation ecosystem, which brings together six complementary elements:
- PI Rulebook: Practical guidance for scaling logistics innovations beyond technology readiness.
- PI Norm: Common processes and procedures supporting interoperable and Physical Internet-compliant logistics services.
- Five Logistics Innovations: Practical demonstrations of collaborative, scalable and more sustainable logistics solutions.
- PI Coalition: A network bringing together industry, research and other stakeholders to support adoption and implementation.
- Twin Transition Genome: A shared long-term roadmap for the digital and green transition of freight transport.
- Impact Augmenter Kit: Tools supporting the visibility, stakeholder engagement, exploitation and adoption of project results.
Together, these elements underpin IKIGAI’s three-step approach: build and standardise, scale, and maximise impact. The ecosystem aims to help logistics innovations progress from development and demonstration towards wider implementation across European logistics networks.
Supporting the wider adoption of Physical Internet solutions
IKIGAI’s participation at Connecting Europe Days provided an opportunity to present its work to the European transport community and discuss how Physical Internet principles can support more interconnected and sustainable freight operations.
Through its impact creation ecosystem, the project seeks to address barriers to innovation uptake by combining common frameworks, practical solutions and stakeholder collaboration.
The event reinforced IKIGAI’s focus on turning research and innovation into scalable logistics solutions, supporting interoperability, collaboration and the digital and green transition of European freight transport.
Strengthening global collaboration to advance the Physical Internet
The transition toward Physical Internet–enabled logistics is accelerating globally. The EU-funded IKIGAI project contributes by translating strategic vision into practical implementation through innovation, piloting and international cooperation supporting collaborative, interoperable and sustainable logistics networks.
Key takeaways from the International Expert workshop
An international expert workshop gathered researchers, industry stakeholders and standardisation experts to explore how innovation pilots and emerging logistics solutions can scale into interoperable Physical Internet systems supporting efficient, collaborative and zero-emission logistics networks.
IKIGAI and partners publish white paper on book and claim
IKIGAI contributed to a Smart Freight Centre-led white paper on implementing book and claim for low-emission road freight. With input from P&G, Normec Verifavia and GRUBER Logistics, it provides a verified, standardised framework enabling credible, scalable emissions reporting.
Project coordinator
ikigai@fitconsulting.it
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101202912. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible
