Transition codesign for purposive road freight decarbonization

Abstract

Three potential preconditions are identified for rapid and radical road freight decarbonization: 1) techno-economically feasible solutions; 2) a shared understanding of design choices that need to be codesigned; and 3) a politically, socially and organizationally feasible codesign framework for making these design choices. Focusing on the case of food deliveries to supermarkets and supermarket distribution centers in Great Britain, this study tests these preconditions via qualitative coding and quantitative descriptive statistical analysis of data from 32 semi-structured interviews with road freight actors, policymakers and experts. There is broad consensus that the preconditions are necessary, but differences in views on what would fulfil these. Several transition challenges are identified. System and path dependencies mean that decision pathway(s) and a codesign framework are needed, the latter incorporating defined attributes and conflict resolution mechanisms. Geographic and sectoral dimensions are also identified as important for framework design.