Key Takeaway from Webinar Global Urban Logistics Innovation and Market Analysis

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

On 7 May 2025, ALICE, in collaboration with EIT Urban Mobility and the DISCO project, hosted an insightful webinar exploring international trends, technological innovation, and investment patterns shaping the future of urban logistics. With a particular focus on last-mile delivery in China and a global market overview, the session attracted a diverse audience of professionals from logistics, research, and city planning.

Featured speakers and topics

Dr Yanying Li (ALICE)

Innovation in E-Commerce Delivery in China
China remains at the forefront of last-mile innovation, with large-scale adoption of autonomous delivery vehicles, drones, artificial intelligence platforms, and sustainable solutions such as battery-swapping e-bikes and nano-electric vans. Dr Li presented real-world examples of how platform economies, supportive policies like the “Low Sky Economy”, and rapid deployment models are transforming urban delivery.

Jeanett Bolther (PNO Consultants)

Global Market and Investment Overview
Drawing on market research conducted as part of the DISCO project, this session highlighted key developments in digital urban logistics. Jeanett discussed growth areas including AI-enabled platforms, the rise of micro-mobility, increased investor interest, and the persistent barriers to technology scale-up across regions.

Key takeaways:

China leads in logistics tech: Drones and autonomous ground vehicles are now widely used in urban China, enabled by advanced digital platforms and evolving regulations.
Sustainable operations on the rise: Solutions such as battery-swapping electric bikes and nano-sized electric vans are improving environmental performance and operational efficiency.
Growing investment: Urban logistics continues to attract venture capital and private equity, especially in areas focused on digital optimisation and fleet management.
Challenges to scaling: Local regulatory fragmentation, infrastructure limitations, and uncertain return on investment remain significant barriers in Europe.
Lessons for Europe: While global solutions offer inspiration, effective adaptation requires contextual awareness, citizen engagement, and coordinated action across public and private sectors.

Looking ahead

This session enabled knowledge-sharing across regions and highlighted the importance of global cooperation in addressing urban logistics challenges. ALICE remains committed to promoting collaborative innovation and supporting initiatives such as the DISCO project to advance sustainable urban freight strategies in Europe.

📥 Learn more about our work:
Urban Logistics – ALICE
DISCO Project

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