3. What are potential benefits, costs and risks for the UK economy of emerging transport modes and where in the UK are these benefits most likely to be realised e.g. drones and autonomous vehicles?
Background
DfT’s ARI identifies 40 broad research questions that reflect areas of strategic importance to the department, where further insight and collaboration could enhance our evidence base, challenge assumptions and strengthen future decision-making. The ARI is organised around four complementary themes, and this question sits within the Enhancing Growth and Place theme.
Transport is a critical enabler of economic growth. By connecting people, businesses and markets, it supports jobs, facilitates trade and investment, and shapes overall economic performance. Improved connectivity ensures people can access employment, education and public services, and that businesses can reach their customers and supply chains. This enables greater economic activity, supporting higher productivity and living standards over time.
Supporting economic growth, measured in terms of GDP, is a core priority for the Department and the wider Government. Transport plays a central role by influencing access to jobs, supply chain efficiency, and the ability of firms to grow and compete.
DfT’s ambition is to enhance growth by maintaining, renewing and strategically developing transport networks in ways that reflect the distinct needs, opportunities and constraints of different places. Place reflects the economic and spatial contexts in which transport operates, recognising that impacts and priorities vary across different parts of the country.
This theme recognises that economic performance, including GDP per person, varies across the UK, and that transport investment can play a significant role in supporting regeneration, reducing spatial inequalities and unlocking development. It places emphasis on the performance and resilience of existing networks, alongside targeted investment in new infrastructure, to improve connectivity and accessibility for passengers and freight.
Partnerships are central to this approach. Local authorities, mayors, devolved administrations, industry and communities all shape how transport supports local outcomes. The ARI therefore seeks research that strengthens understanding of the relationship between transport, growth and place, including what works where and why, and how wider system interactions shape outcomes.
Next steps
If you have research relevant to this topic, are planning work in this area, or would like to discuss potential collaboration, please get in touch. For our monitoring and evaluation purposes, we are also keen to hear if the ARI has informed or influenced your research.
To get in touch and report the use, please fill in the form https://submit.forms.service.gov.uk/form/264718/dft-areas-of-research-interest-ari/
Link to DfT ARI: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dft-areas-of-research-interest/areas-of-research-interest-2026
Topics
Related UKRI funded projects
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Transport investments and spatial economic performance
The research is seeking to understand the implications of transport investments for the spatial economy by identifying effects on workers and firms (e.g. productivity, employment, wages). The research will provide the fi...
Funded by: ESRC
Lead research organisation: London School of Economics and Political Science
Why might this be relevant?
The project directly addresses the potential benefits, costs, and risks for the UK economy of emerging transport modes.
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Research Hub for Decarbonised Adaptable and Resilient Transport Infrastructures (DARe)
Our Vision is for climate resilient, net zero development of the transport system to be guided by systems analysis. When this vision is realised, decision-makers will have access to (and visualisation of) data that tells...
Funded by: SPF
Lead research organisation: Newcastle University
Why might this be relevant?
The project focuses on decarbonised and resilient transport infrastructures, which are related to emerging transport modes but does not directly address the benefits, costs, and risks for the UK economy.
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Accelerating innovation in new mobility services: matching sustainable new business models to local potential.
This is an exciting yet somewhat uncertain point of transition for the transport sector. The media frequently carries news stories on innovations in cleaner transport technologies (particularly electric vehicles) and vis...
Funded by: ESRC
Lead research organisation: University of Leeds
Why might this be relevant?
The project explores new mobility services and their impact on local potential, which is related to emerging transport modes but does not directly address the benefits, costs, and risks for the UK economy.