Innovation Train Journey & Rolling Conference: Firenze – Dresden

The LEADER 2030 Innovation Train Journey & Rolling Conference set off from Firenze, marking the beginning of an inspiring multi-day travelling event dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation within the European rail ecosystem.

On Board from Firenze to Bolzano: Exploring AI for Sustainable Rail Innovation

A delegation of 25 participants from across Europe, including representatives from the rail industry, research entities, and institutional bodies (from EU to regional level), travelled together from Firenze to Bolzano on a fully reserved coach. During the journey, the Institute of Information Science and Technologies (ISTI) of the National Research Council (CNR) of Italy presented key insights and comments on the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions in the railway domain. The discussion focused on the sustainable development and deployment of AI models, emphasizing how these technologies can enhance safety, efficiency, and resilience across the European rail system.

Participants engaged in an open and forward-looking dialogue, reflecting on both technological opportunities and ethical and operational challenges linked to AI integration in rail transport. By connecting experts, policymakers, and industry leaders directly on board the train, the initiative turned mobility into a space for real-time innovation and policy dialogue.