TRANSFORMING MOBILITY: HOW SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT STARTUPS AND CUTTING-EDGE BUSINESS MODELS ARE SHAPING THE FUTURE AND ADVANCING THE SDGS

Abstract

This study discuss about how sustainable transport startups have become instrumental in changing the structure of urban mobility, and the way they can support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the realms of climate action, sustainable cities, and industry innovation. The research will examine the impact of cultural mindsets, business structures, novel business designs and user habits on the performance of these new enterprises. Sustainable transport startups dealing with environmentally friendly, inclusive, and affordable transportation services are transforming the conventional mobility model with an alternative mobility model providing electric vehicle (EV) services, car-sharing, and Mobility as a Service (MaaS). The study will be mixed-method in design; it will involve qualitative interviews with the major stakeholders in the industry coupled with a quantitative survey that seeks to evaluate the association among these variables. The results indicate that favorable cultural attitudes about sustainability play a significant role in improving the acceptance of the new transport models whereas favorable governance structure and policies are essential in encouraging innovations. New business forms, including shared-access and digital-platform models, enable startups to flourish in the urban setting, but their fate strongly depends on the behavior of the users. The readiness of consumers to adopt new technologies and their confidence in shared mobility services is one of the major determinants of the success of such ventures. The research is related to an improved understanding of the role of such interrelated aspects in defining the success of sustainable transport startups, which can be used by policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors aiming at supporting green and inclusive urban mobility solutions. The study contributes by highlighting the angles that an integrated approach comprising startups, governments and users are needed to build a sustainable and resilient transport ecosystem.