Perspectives on sustainable and smart mobility : empirical investigation and sociotechnical analysis
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
OP-Pohjola auditorium (L6), Linnanmaa Campus
Topic of the dissertation
Perspectives on sustainable and smart mobility : empirical investigation and sociotechnical analysis
Doctoral candidate
Master of Science (Technology) Valtteri Ahonen
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Technology, Civil Engineering
Subject of study
Infrastructure and transport
Opponent
Professor Arto O. Salonen, University of Eastern Finland
Custos
Professor Pekka Leviäkangas, University of Oulu
In the development of sustainable and smart mobility, efficiency and productivity overshadow other sustainability perspectives
Valtteri Ahonen's doctoral dissertation examines the social construction of sustainable and smart mobility and how different aspects of sustainability are prioritised. The study sheds light on the concept of sustainable and smart mobility and its alternative meanings, which influence the development of future solutions.
The key finding of the dissertation is that the development work in sustainable and smart mobility currently focuses on efficiency, productivity, and financial feasibility, leaving other sustainability perspectives with less attention. The research demonstrates that sustainability and smartness take on different meanings depending on the point of view. The actions of individuals and organisations developing mobility are guided by their understanding of what sustainable and smart mobility means. Correspondingly, when applying this concept, these actors shape its meaning. This is an ongoing process, making it possible to highlight previously overlooked perspectives in the future, such as accessibility, equity, and affordability. The dissertation presents how sustainable and smart mobility can support sustainable development goals more comprehensively in the future.
The research consists of five publications utilising documentation from past research and development projects, transport policy materials, and data collected in workshops. The dissertation analyses how technology-driven smartness and value-based sustainability are both strongly tied to prevailing policy and culture. The results can be used to guide future mobility solutions to better and more comprehensively align with sustainable development goals.
The key finding of the dissertation is that the development work in sustainable and smart mobility currently focuses on efficiency, productivity, and financial feasibility, leaving other sustainability perspectives with less attention. The research demonstrates that sustainability and smartness take on different meanings depending on the point of view. The actions of individuals and organisations developing mobility are guided by their understanding of what sustainable and smart mobility means. Correspondingly, when applying this concept, these actors shape its meaning. This is an ongoing process, making it possible to highlight previously overlooked perspectives in the future, such as accessibility, equity, and affordability. The dissertation presents how sustainable and smart mobility can support sustainable development goals more comprehensively in the future.
The research consists of five publications utilising documentation from past research and development projects, transport policy materials, and data collected in workshops. The dissertation analyses how technology-driven smartness and value-based sustainability are both strongly tied to prevailing policy and culture. The results can be used to guide future mobility solutions to better and more comprehensively align with sustainable development goals.
Created 6.11.2026 | Updated 9.11.2026