Objectives
and expected results

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Advancing standardised, scalable, and zero-emission logistics across Europe The IKIGAI project supports the digital and green transition of freight logistics by developing, piloting, and scaling innovations aligned with the Physical Internet (PI) vision. By promoting standardisation, collaboration, and data-driven strategies, IKIGAI addresses sectoral fragmentation and prepares logistics companies for a future that is connected, competitive, and zero-emission.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The IKIGAI project aims to achieve the following key objectives :

 

    • Enable the adoption of the Physical Internet by piloting five scalable Logistics Innovations (LIs) and promoting collaborative, standardised logistics processes across European networks.
    • Develop the PI Norm, a set of standard operating procedures designed to foster compliance, digital interoperability, and decarbonisation readiness in freight transport systems.
    • Support the Twin Transition by integrating digital tools with environmental strategies to drive the development of clean, connected logistics services.
    • Facilitate systemic change through a shared governance structure (the PI Coalition) and targeted engagement with SMEs, industry leaders, and policymakers.
    • Assess readiness and scalability by applying a robust impact measurement framework that identifies regulatory, technological, and market enablers.

EXPECTED RESULTS

IKIGAI aims to deliver:

 

    • Five real-world pilots in diverse European settings, such as urban hubs, corridors and ports, to validate innovations in emissions tracking, volume pooling, data sharing and packaging standardisation.
    • A harmonised PI Norm providing a structured approach to standard compliance and operational integration across networks.
    • The Twin Transition Genome, a roadmap defining how logistics innovations mature and scale within PI-compatible systems.
    • A community of PI Ambassadors and the Nishida Circle, ensuring strategic alignment, knowledge exchange, and industry-wide awareness.
    • Concrete business value, including improved resource efficiency, lower emissions, reduced operational costs, and strengthened competitiveness for adopters.

WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE IKIGAI PROJECT

The IKIGAI project aims to deliver tangible benefits to key actors across the freight and logistics landscape. By aligning practical innovations with operational and policy needs, the project fosters uptake, regulatory readiness, and long-term value reation.

 

    • Logistics companies and service providers gain access to tested, scalable innovations that support emissions reduction, operational efficiency, and compliance with emerging standards.
    • SMEs benefit from accessible tools and frameworks that lower barriers to digitalisation and sustainability, helping them remain competitive and resilient.
    • Policymakers and public authorities receive data-driven insights and structured frameworks to inform logistics regulation, support funding strategies, and shape long-term transition paths.
    • Researchers and innovators join a collaborative environment focused on real-world eployment of Physical Internet concepts, accelerating applied research and cross-sector impact.