The IRFC 2022 conference will take place from 5 to 7 October 2022 – i.e. in the middle of the Czech Presidency of the EU Council. It will therefore be possible to assess whether the Czech Republic’s priorities for transport, and especially for rail, have been set correctly during the Presidency. One of the Czech Presidency’s priorities is also the area of research and innovation, a topic that opens up a discussion on the importance of digitization, automation and links to other sectors in Europe’s transport system; what can support the development of rail and what, on the contrary, in some cases can hinder it. The fact that representatives of all areas of the railway sector will have the opportunity to discuss it in one place will be a great benefit of the conference.
The IRFC conference is focused on all important and strategic areas of the rail system for a long time. In summary, there are several very distinct areas. On the second day of the conference, participants will have the opportunity to discuss research and innovation during the “Morning coffee with Carlo Borghini”, Managing Director of Europe’s Rail JU. Carlo Borghini will also moderate the follow-up third session of the conference. This will offer a variety of topics and speakers from different areas of research and innovation. Philippe Froissard from DG RTD will talk about the synergies that are very important for the rail sector. Miroslav Haltuf – the Czech Republic’s representative in the ERJU – Europe’s Rail States Representatives Group – will mention the most important changes in the European rail partnership compared to the previous period. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about the experience of the founding members within the ERJU partnership, but also about whether and how hydrogen can contribute to the development of low emission rail (presentation will be held by Petr Mervart from the Czech Ministry of industry and trade). The links to modern satellite technologies supported by EUSPA will also be discussed. And the practical experience of companies involved in research and innovation will not be left out.
The moderated discussion will then give room for any additional explanations and answers to questions from the audience.