At the 12th International Physical Internet Conference (IPIC 2026) in Bordeaux, the IKIGAI project contributed to discussions on how Physical Internet-inspired logistics innovations can move beyond pilot demonstrations towards large-scale deployment.
The session “Multimodal Hubs, Ports and Deployable Nodes”, moderated by Paola Astegiano, brought together researchers and innovation projects working on decision-support tools, digital twins, network optimisation and scalable Physical Internet solutions.
A roadmap-aligned methodology for scaling logistics innovations
Paola Astegiano presented the paper “A roadmap-aligned decision-support methodology to identify scaling mechanisms for Physical Internet-compliant logistics innovations: the IKIGAI approach”, developed by the IKIGAI consortium.
The presentation addressed one of the key challenges facing logistics innovation today: how to move from successful pilots and local demonstrations towards widespread adoption and systemic transformation.
The proposed methodology provides a structured framework to identify and prioritise the actions required to scale logistics innovations while remaining aligned with both Physical Internet principles and zero-emission freight transport objectives.
The approach combines:
- Definition of target maturity profiles for logistics innovations
- Assessment of current maturity levels through structured questionnaires
- Evaluation across multiple scaling dimensions, including technology, operations, governance and regulation
- Weighted gap analysis to identify critical barriers and priorities
- Identification of scaling mechanisms linked to Physical Internet roadmaps and transition pathways
Rather than focusing solely on technology readiness, the methodology recognises that successful scaling depends on a combination of operational, organisational, governance and regulatory factors.
The methodology is currently being applied across IKIGAI’s logistics innovations and will contribute to the development of future Physical Internet implementation pathways and scaling strategies.
Assessing Physical Internet readiness through collective intelligence
The session also featured an interactive workshop led by Stefania Pesavento titled “Assessing Physical Internet Readiness – A Live Urban Logistics Ecosystem Diagnostic”.
The workshop engaged participants in a collective assessment of Physical Internet readiness across different regions, cities and logistics ecosystems. Through a live audience interaction exercise, participants explored key challenges affecting the adoption and scaling of Physical Internet solutions.
The discussion focused on three recurring themes:
- Fragmentation of stakeholder ecosystems
- Investment and financing barriers
- Governance and regulatory challenges
Participants identified several factors that will be critical for future deployment, including:
- Shared logistics infrastructure
- Data interoperability and trusted information exchange
- Governance frameworks enabling collaboration
- Regulatory support and public-sector involvement
- Increased awareness and education around Physical Internet concepts
The workshop highlighted that while innovative solutions already exist, scaling them requires stronger collaboration mechanisms and coordinated action across public and private stakeholders. Participants also stressed the importance of creating neutral environments that enable organisations to cooperate while maintaining trust and competitiveness.
From innovation to systemic transformation
Together, the presentation and workshop reflected a central objective of the IKIGAI project: helping logistics innovations progress from promising concepts and pilot demonstrations towards scalable, interoperable and widely deployable solutions.
By combining practical deployment activities with methodologies for readiness assessment, maturity evaluation and scaling support, IKIGAI aims to accelerate the transition towards greener, more collaborative and Physical Internet-compliant logistics systems.
The discussions at IPIC 2026 reinforced the importance of governance, interoperability and stakeholder engagement as essential enablers for achieving large-scale transformation in freight transport and logistics ecosystems.
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
