Interpretative flexibility and conflicts in the emergence of Mobility as a Service: Finnish public sector actor perspectives

Miloš N Mladenović,Noora Haavisto

doi:10.1016/j.cstp.2021.04.005

Miloš N Mladenović, Noora Haavisto

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cstp.2021.04.005

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Abstract

Mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) is still largely under development, with high uncertainties of its societal implications. This development is happening across sectoral, multi-layered, and multi-actor networks. Previous case studies on understanding networked governance of MaaS inform us that there is a range of challenges in the current institutional arrangements, lack of shared MaaS vision, divergent interests, and even conflicts over roles and responsibilities. These case studies have used analytical frameworks based on socio-technical transitions theory, complemented with theories from institutional and business studies. This study focuses on Finland, aiming to provide additional insights about perspectives of non-commercial actors. In particular, we provide a more sophisticated understanding of underlying reasons for conflict and lack of cooperation concerning an understanding of MaaS, its implications, and associated governance actions. The applied analytical framework is building upon concepts from the philosophy and sociology of emerging technology, as well as the contemporary political theory of Chantal Mouffe. Interview findings from seventeen non-commercial organisations have been classified into five categories, namely definitions, operational and business aspects, user perspectives, systemic effects, and governance. Discussion of these interview findings focuses on the interpretative flexibility of MaaS and governance processes in the context of inherent conflict in the value-laden mobility domain. The paper concludes with outlining directions for further synthesis in developing analytical frameworks for studies of governance and responsible innovation in the domain of emerging mobility technologies.

Highlights

There are large uncertainties in the emerging development trajectory of mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) and associated societal implications, as both technology itself and its social embedding are still malleable (Jit trapirom et al, 2017; Pangbourne et al, 2020; Arias-Molinares & Gar cía-Palomares, 2020)
Discussion of these interview findings focuses on the interpretative flexibility of MaaS and governance processes in the context of inherent conflict in the value-laden mobility domain
The first set of interview findings relates to various aspects brought up while attempting to define MaaS

Summary

Introduction

There are large uncertainties in the emerging development trajectory of mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) and associated societal implications, as both technology itself and its social embedding are still malleable (Jit trapirom et al, 2017; Pangbourne et al, 2020; Arias-Molinares & Gar cía-Palomares, 2020). A central role in deciding about gover nance actions is assigned with the mutual co-creation of perceived potentials and challenges from MaaS that these non-commercial actors might have (Hirschhorn et al, 2019; Jittrapirom et al, 2018). As such, these perceptions influence the varying level and role of public sector involvement (Smith et al, 2018). The fear is related to losing an influential position as a service provider, related to the po tential shift away from public transport usage and all the associated adverse consequences for society (Kamargianni & Matyas, 2017; Smith (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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