Finland’s Roadmap for Sustainable Heavy Road Transport 2035 – Ready for a Sustainable and Competitive Future
Efficient and smooth logistics are fundamental to the competitiveness of our industry and the foundation of our well-being. In Finland, a country defined by long distances, the logistics system forms a vital network connecting various stakeholders. Heavy road transport is a central part of this network – a crucial link enabling seamless supply chains and both international and domestic trade. At the same time, it is one of the largest sources of transport emissions in Finland.
With the ongoing digital and clean energy transition, road transport is becoming electrified, and heavy road transport is undergoing a profound transformation. In this shift, Finland is taking steps toward a sustainable and competitive future for heavy road transport. The Roadmap for Sustainable Heavy Road Transport 2035 provides direction. It creates the foundation for industry, research, and public sector actors to come together around a shared agenda and promote the sector's development in practice.
The roadmap's themes are:
1. Sustainable business
2. Zero-emission system
3. Intelligent control systems
4. People as part of the system
5. Data-intensive services
6. Autonomy and automation in logistics
Heavy Road Transport at a Turning Point
Evolving customer needs, climate targets, technological advancements, digital solutions, clean domestic electricity, and the development of energy infrastructure are all challenging us to renew heavy road transport solutions and operating models – not just incrementally, but holistically.
At the same time, it is essential to secure the fundamental conditions for continuity: cost-efficiency, safety, and predictability under all circumstances.
"We are at a pivotal turning point. Technological enablers are already in place in many areas, but leveraging them requires courage to embrace change, broad and goal-oriented collaboration, supportive policies, and investment. Now is the time to move from words to action and jointly build a sustainable future for heavy transport – one that is climate-friendly, competitive, and capable of generating new value," says Mikko Pihlatie, Research Professor at VTT.
The Roadmap and Its Significance
The transition toward sustainable heavy road transport is systemic and therefore requires a systemic approach. This is why a shared, action-oriented roadmap that describes practical objectives is crucial. It enables a coherent strategy rather than fragmented development efforts.
"The roadmap is not just a vision, but a continuously evolving tool that is open to all. It helps identify key objectives, map out necessary development paths, and initiate concrete actions. The roadmap allows stakeholders to align and complement each other’s actions," says Ilkka Homanen, Head of Program at Business Finland.
"For Business Finland, this roadmap may help create new ecosystem initiatives and thereby open up opportunities for R&D funding," Homanen adds.
Execution Is Key
The first version of the roadmap was developed in an industry-driven process during a time of great pressure for change – and even greater opportunity. Its usefulness depends on practical implementation and genuine commitment. Here, collaboration across organizational boundaries is essential – involving companies, researchers, and the public sector, each in their respective roles.
"Implementing the roadmap is critical for both our sustainability and competitiveness. In addition, we now have an excellent opportunity to develop sustainable, smart, and exportable logistics solutions that can create value and generate international interest," Homanen emphasizes.
More information
Mikko Pihlatie
Research Professor
mikko.pihlatie (at) vtt.fi
+358 20 722 4884
Ilkka Homanen
Head of Hydrogen and Batteries
ilkka.homanen (at) businessfinland.fi
+358 40 500 9909
Download: Finland’s Roadmap for Sustainable Heavy Road Transport 2035 (Only in Finnish)
