Decision Support Tools - Thematic Research Summary - Transport ...

policy support is being assessed by encouraging communication between the ECand the Member states, between EU member states themselves, and betweenpolicy-makers, policy analysts and transport modellers (TRANSFORUM, 2007).Part of this approach has been to facilitate a shift from separation of methodologicaldevelopment of transport related indicators, modelling tools and assessment methodstowards a wider perspective of developing them together, in a way that the cancomplement each other (TRANSFORUM, 2007).Research has also investigated how institutional arrangements and interactions affect theimplementation of transport policies, covering all levels of policy-making (local, regional,national and European) and their interactions. The focus has not been on assessingtransport policies, but on analysing how institutional settings contribute to the effectiveimplementation of the policies and the achievement of policy goals. More specifically,research has:• provided a comprehensive picture of institutional framework conditions (constraintsand enablers) for implementing transport policies throughout Europe;• developed an approach for studying the range of institutional implementationissues covered, by combining elements from different fields;• derived results regarding the implications and impacts of different organisationaland regulatory constraints and settings (TIPP, 2005).4.3.4 Policy implications4.3.4.1 European transport information systemsThis pilot ETIS is a basic step of the process for the creation of ETIS. Member Statesadministrations and other stakeholders have stressed on the importance and added valueof a system like ETIS. Research has also elaborated a roadmap for the future of ETIS,which outlines the necessary steps to take to transit from a research project to a fullyfledgedinformation system. However, in this respect, it is necessary that the EC takes thenecessary actions to establish a framework for the future of ETIS. More specifically, anorganisational and institutional framework for operating, updating, and expanding the ETISsystem is necessary, whilst the cooperation of different stakeholders in particular nationaltransport ministries and statistical offices is also desired. It is recommended that the ECtakes the initiative in supporting the next steps and in involving Member States and otherrelevant stakeholders.Thematic Research Summary: “Decision Support Tools” Page: 39 of 74Transport Research Knowledge Centre