The IKIGAI General Assembly, held alongside IPIC 2026 in Bordeaux, brought together project partners to review progress, align upcoming activities and discuss how logistics innovations developed within the project can contribute to the broader transition towards Physical Internet-enabled logistics networks.
A key message throughout the meeting was that IKIGAI goes beyond the development of individual logistics innovations and pilot demonstrations. The project’s ambition is to transform practical experiences into scalable and replicable approaches that support more collaborative, interoperable and sustainable logistics systems. Partners discussed how project activities can contribute to long-term roadmaps and frameworks that help organisations move from siloed operations towards network-based collaboration, shared assets and distributed trust models.
Moving from innovation pilots to scalable solutions
During the General Assembly, partners reviewed progress across the project’s technical work, including the development of the Physical Internet framework, readiness assessment methodologies, deployment plans and implementation guidelines that will support the next phase of pilot activities.
Discussions highlighted the importance of generating evidence through real-life demonstrations. Pilot implementation will play a central role in validating solutions, measuring environmental and operational impacts, identifying barriers and providing practical insights that can support future replication and scale-up.
The project is now entering a critical phase in which logistics innovations move from design and preparation into operational deployment. Partners discussed the need to capture not only performance improvements but also lessons learned regarding collaboration models, interoperability, governance approaches and stakeholder engagement.
Physical Internet Ambassadors challenge conventional thinking
One of the most engaging sessions of the General Assembly involved the Physical Internet Ambassadors community, which brings together experts from industry, research and innovation ecosystems to support the project with external perspectives and practical insights.
A particularly thought-provoking discussion focused on packaging and supply chain efficiency. Ambassadors explored whether overpackaging should be viewed purely as a packaging issue or rather as a symptom of broader inefficiencies across supply chains.
Participants noted that packaging decisions are often used to compensate for challenges elsewhere in logistics systems, including fragmented operations, inefficient transport processes, limited visibility, insufficient standardisation and disconnected decision-making structures. The discussion highlighted how packaging, transport, warehousing and logistics operations are deeply interconnected and should be addressed through systemic approaches rather than isolated interventions.
The exchange also explored how new technologies, collaborative models and common standards could help improve asset utilisation, increase visibility across supply chains and support circular approaches for logistics assets and packaging solutions.
Strengthening stakeholder engagement and future impact
The General Assembly also explored how the Physical Internet Ambassadors can support project activities beyond advisory discussions. Partners discussed opportunities for ambassadors to contribute directly to logistics innovations, provide feedback on pilot developments, connect project activities with wider industry networks and help accelerate future adoption.
These discussions reinforced the importance of involving stakeholders beyond the project consortium. By combining pilot evidence, industry expertise and external perspectives, IKIGAI aims to maximise the impact of its results and support broader deployment of Physical Internet principles across European logistics networks.
As implementation activities accelerate, IKIGAI continues to demonstrate how collaboration, innovation and stakeholder engagement can help shape the future of more connected, efficient and sustainable supply chains.
From roadmaps to implementation: What Europe and Japan can learn from each other on the Physical Internet
Europe and Japan share significant logistics challenges, from driver shortages and transport capacity constraints to decarbonisation. In a conversation on Professor Takayuki Mori’s YouTube channel, Physical Internet (PI) Ambassadors Fernando Liesa and Professor Mori discussed how the two regions are approaching these challenges and what is needed to turn the Physical Internet vision into practical logistics solutions.
IKIGAI at Connecting Europe Days 2026
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.
Physical Internet Academy of Japan launches to strengthen research and international collaboration
The Physical Internet Academy of Japan (PIAJ) held its inaugural meeting on 8 October 2026 at Waseda University in Tokyo, bringing together approximately 25 participants from academia, industry and public institutions. The initiative aims to advance Physical Internet research, support practical implementation and strengthen international cooperation, including knowledge exchange with European logistics stakeholders.
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
