IKIGAI kick-off meeting in Rome

On 8-9 July 2025, the IKIGAI consortium gathered in Rome for its official Kick-off Meeting, hosted by project coordinator FIT Consulting srl. This two-day event marked the formal launch of IKIGAI, a Horizon Europe project dedicated to advancing the Physical Internet (PI) and achieving the twin transition of logistics digitalisation and decarbonisation in Europe.

IKIGAI brings together a strong consortium of leading organisations across industry, academia, and policy to create a collaborative, standardised, and zero-emission freight transport system. Over the coming 42 months, the project will demonstrate and scale up five Logistics Innovations (LIs) through real-world pilots, while advancing the PI Norm, the Twin Transition Genome, and a governance framework under the PI Coalition.

Day 1: Inspiration, innovation, and pilots into action

The opening session was introduced by Paola Cossu (FIT Consulting, IKIGAI Coordinator) and Ioanna Fergadiotou (INLECOM), who emphasised the project’s mission to accelerate Europe’s transition to digital, interoperable, and zero-emission logistics. Keynotes provided global insights: Prof. Mori presented Japan’s mandated PI roadmap, Prof. Eric Ballot called for universal standards in digital logistics, and Benoit Montreuil stressed the urgency of embedding PI governance worldwide. Sergio Barbarino emphasised that scaling is essential for innovation to generate real value, while Fernando Liesa introduced IKIGAI’s Golden Scale-Up Package.

The afternoon focused on IKIGAI’s five pilot projects, Logistics Innovations (LIs), each tackling a key challenge in freight transport:

• • LI1 – Trustee-led matchmaking and volume pooling: enabling intermodal, zero-emission transport through real-time coordination.
  • LI2 – SME-focused collaborative eFTI-compliant platform: providing SMEs with standardised digital tools for compliance and participation.
  • LI3 – Smart synchromodal urban logistics hubs: coordinating multimodal last-mile deliveries with green vehicles.
  • LI4 – Blockchain-based carbon emissions chain of custody: ensuring transparency and traceability of CO₂ data.
  • LI5 – Governance for pooled reusable modular packaging: standardising packaging systems with efficient return logistics.

Together, these solutions form a blueprint for a decarbonised, standardised and data-driven logistics ecosystem aligned with the EU Green Deal and Fit for 55 objectives.

Day 2: Scaling for impact

The second day opened with Katerina Deliali (CINEA Project Officer), who underligned IKIGAI’s strategic importance in achieving EU decarbonisation and competitiveness goals.

Prof. Alan McKinnon delivered a keynote on the critical role of logistics in addressing climate change, highlighting nine systemic functions from mitigation and adaptation to carbon removal. His intervention reinforced logistics as both a contributor to emissions and a key enabler of climate solutions.

Presentations from the Work Packages then explored IKIGAI’s scaling frameworks:

• Systemic scaling of logistics innovations (WP1): identifying barriers and enablers for large-scale adoption across Europe.
• The PI Norm (WP2): standardised processes and interfaces enabling interoperability in logistics networks.
• The Twin Transition Genome (WP4): a strategic roadmap to align technology, regulation, and market deployment.
• Impact maximisation strategies (WP5): including the call for PI Ambassadors to expand adoption and visibility.

Looking ahead

The kick-off meeting laid the foundation for a coordinated, scalable, and standardised approach to transforming European logistics. By combining innovation pilots, systemic scaling frameworks, and governance mechanisms, IKIGAI aims to deliver lasting impact in support of EU decarbonisation and digitalisation objectives.

Follow our journey as IKIGAI progresses towards a collaborative, zero-emission Physical Internet for freight transport in Europe.