EIT Urban Mobility and ALICE forge strategic partnership to accelerate urban logistics innovation

Munich, 3 June 2025 – EIT Urban Mobility and the Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe (ALICE) have taken a significant step forward in their shared mission to shape the future of sustainable urban logistics. The two organisations have formalised their collaboration through the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a new chapter in their strategic partnership. 

The MoU was signed during the Transport Logistic event in Munich by Adriana Diaz, Innovation Director at EIT Urban Mobility, and Dr. Fernando Liesa, Secretary General of ALICE. This formal agreement builds on a strong alliance established in 2023 and reflects both organisations’ commitment to tackling urban challenges, such as pollution, congestion, and climate impact, through innovative and collaborative logistics solutions. 

“By joining forces with ALICE, we are strengthening our joint efforts to support the transformation of urban freight transport. Through collaboration within our innovation community, we can better respond to the pressing challenges European cities face,” said Adriana Diaz. 

 “This Memorandum of Understanding opens a new chapter in our long-standing collaboration with EIT Urban Mobility. By connecting ALICE’s logistics innovation network with EIT’s ecosystem of cities and urban mobility actors, we are strengthening our joint capacity to accelerate sustainable and efficient urban logistics, fully aligned with ALICE’s mission to drive innovation in freight transport.,” added Fernando Liesa, Secretary Generalof ALICE. 

A united vision for liveable cities 

With more than 190 members, ALICE brings together companies, research centres, and policymakers to co-develop solutions for zero-emission, digitalised, and resilient supply chains. EIT Urban Mobility, an innovation community supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), shares this ambition to create more liveable and sustainable urban environments. 

The agreement recognises the pivotal role of logistics in urban transformation. By aligning strategies and resources, the two organisations aim to advance scalable, innovative solutions that make urban freight more efficient, less polluting, and better integrated with passenger mobility systems. 

Formalising collaboration for greater impact 

The MoU builds on a growing portfolio of joint initiatives between the partners, including: 

• Joint participation in Horizon Europe projects such as URBANE 
• EIT Urban Mobility’s formal membership of ALICE since January 2024 
• Co-organised webinars, events, and workshops to share knowledge and promote funding opportunities 
• Strategic alignment on policy and innovation priorities 

This agreement aims to formalise the cooperation and maximise its impact. Shared goals include bridging gaps between city authorities, academia, business innovators, and policymakers, while reinforcing Europe’s innovation ecosystem in urban logistics. 

Key areas of cooperation 

The MoU sets out a comprehensive framework for collaboration, including: 

• Strategic dialogue on emerging trends and priorities in urban logistics 
• Policy advocacy addressing research and innovation needs for freight decarbonisation and urban mobility 
• Knowledge sharing through events, publications, and coordinated communications 
• Development of joint projects and initiatives to accelerate innovation uptake and real-world deployment 

Driving the twin transition in urban mobility 

This partnership exemplifies how strategic alliances can unlock new opportunities for digitalisation, decarbonisation, and competitiveness in the logistics sector. EIT Urban Mobility and ALICE are aligned with the European Green Deal and wider urban sustainability goals, working together to support the twin transition towards climate neutrality and digital transformation. 

Together, they are setting a new benchmark for collaborative innovation- ensuring that cities across Europe become cleaner, more efficient, and more liveable for future generations.