Towards the ReMuNet goal of developing standarized methodology, the first task was typology and classifications of disruptions. This deliverable builds on those results to conduct root cause and impact analysis of disruptive events. Task 1.4 reported in this deliverable focuses on tracing disruptive events back to their root causes, thus showcasing the effects of long-term transport policy, climate change, and other broad scale developments.
Based on 9 focus group discussions and 17 interviews, interrelationships between disruptions in the EU in recent years were analyzed. One such pattern identified was the hourglass relationship.
The consensus from this discussions was that both unplanned disruptions and planned operational challenges have the potential to negatively impact the transport networks. While the definition for disruption may be disputed, the notion that supply chains and transport networks are regularly challenged and impacted by both planned and unplanned events is undisputed. 5 disruptive events in recent years were chosen to be analyzed using the 5-why method to identify the root causes. 4 of these are briefly presented
Based on the analysis of the cases and wider analysis of disruptive events, five “mega root causes” emerged that are the underlying causes of the majority of disruptive events for the European transport network:
Next, the impact of disruptive events on different stakeholders in the transport network were analyzed for each case study. The Rhile river drought case study is presented here:
Based on this research, it is crucial to emphasize the interconnectedness of various stakeholders within the transport network. Disruptions, therefore, should not be viewed solely through the lens of individual business impact but must be analyzed in the context of the entire supply chain and society. This big picture view is essential for developing strategies that address the cascading effects of disruptions across the transportation network.
Further work in this area should explore mechanisms to promote and incentivize a more systemic viewpoint. Such incentives would not only foster a deeper understanding of underlying issues but also motivate stakeholders to invest in long-term solutions.
Understanding these root causes of disruptive events is crucial to resilience planning and risk mitigation. This study has revealed that the immediate causes of transport network disruptive events are often just surface-level symptoms of deeper, more systemic issues. By identifying and documenting these mega root causes, stakeholders can move beyond quick fixes and reactive actions to implement more effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.
The analysis also shows the impact of disruptive events on different levels; individual actor, node/link, the entire transport network, supply chains, and societal level.
In conclusion, the integration of a systemic perspective in understanding and addressing transport disruptions, coupled with supportive economic policies, can significantly enhance the resilience and efficiency of the European transport network.
Click here to read the deliverable by HANKEN School of Economics.
Funded by the European Union under GA number 101104072. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.