Ingolstadt expertise in the European Parliament: Study shapes debate on autonomous driving

The results were presented in April as part of the STOA workshop "Automated Vehicles in the EU - Deployment and Impacts" at the European Parliament in Brussels. The event brought together representatives from politics, science, and industry to discuss key issues relating to the mobility of tomorrow - from regulatory framework conditions to technological developments.

The study focuses on the key drivers of automated driving: Artificial Intelligence (AI), software-defined vehicles, and networked infrastructures. On this basis, the authors develop three scenarios for Europe's role in global competition. Huber emphasises one key finding: "The EU has a strong regulatory framework and high safety standards, but remains dependent on external players for key technologies - for example, in the areas of AI hardware or data infrastructure."

The study shows that automated driving goes far beyond technological issues. It has the potential to fundamentally change not only transport systems, but also industrial value creation, research priorities, and social structures. Europe's competitiveness depends directly on the development of its own technological expertise.

At the same time, the analyses point to specific fields of action: In addition to targeted investment in research and development, there is a need for greater prioritisation of critical technologies and a consistent European legal framework that enables innovation without fragmentation. This is the only way to establish scalable solutions in the European single market.

For THI, its involvement in the study is a visible example of its role in European policy advice. Its research combines technological expertise with a clear view of regulatory and social issues. "Automated vehicles will permanently change our mobility. It is crucial that Europe actively shapes this change - both technologically and politically," says Botsch.

In addition to technological and regulatory aspects, the study also sheds light on social perspectives: Automated systems could increase road safety, enable new mobility services, and alleviate existing bottlenecks - for example, in the area of drivers. At the same time, they open up new opportunities for participation, particularly for previously less mobile population groups.

With its expertise in the areas of vehicle safety, signal processing, and automated driving, THI brings scientific perspectives to a debate that is becoming increasingly relevant in political, economic, and social terms.