Authors

Oliver May-Beckmann | Managing Director, MCube - Munich Cluster for the Future of Mobility at Technical University of Munich

Dr. Alexander Wentland | Senior Researcher, Munich Cluster for the Future of Mobility in Metropolitan Regions(MCube) / Head, Researcher Group Transforming Mobility and Society at Technical University of Munich

Dr. Julia Kinigadner | Senior Researcher, MCube - Munich Cluster for the Future of Mobility in Metropolitan Regions / Head of Research Group on Integrated Mobility Concepts at the Technical University of Munich

Sophia Knopf, M. A. | Project Coordinator at the Munich Cluster for the Future of Mobility(MCube) / Doctoral Researcher at the Technical University of Munich(TUM)

Executive Summary

Introduction

Mobility shapes where we live and work, who can participate in society, and how we respond to ecological challenges. The MCube Cluster (Munich Cluster for the Future of Mobility in Metropolitan Regions) responds to these challenges with an integrated approach to sustainable, innovative mobility. It aims to improve quality of life, address climate goals, and foster collaborative innovation. Focused on urban and regional mobility, MCube links cutting-edge research, industry, and society to co-create scalable solutions.

Highlights I: Innovation Cluster and Stakeholder Network

• Foundation: Within Germany’s Clusters4Future initiative, MCube is the only national innovation cluster focused on mobility in urban regions.
• Ecosystem: Includes top universities (e.g., TUM), industry (BMW, SAP, Siemens), start-ups, city administration, and civil society.
• Mission-Driven Innovation: Combines technical excellence (autonomous systems, e-mobility, logistics) with urban planning, social sciences, and public engagement.
• Key Principle: Balance between technological innovation and social responsibility; strong emphasis on open innovation and technology transfer.

Highlights II: Mission-Oriented Focus – Time, Space, Air

• Quality of Time: Focus on accessibility and efficient travel. Goal: all key destinations within 30 minutes, local routes within 10–15 minutes by foot or bike.
• Quality of Space: Urban space transformation prioritizes public transport, cycling, and walking. Projects focus on shared and autonomous mobility to reclaim public spaces.
• Quality of Air: Target: at least 40% CO₂ reduction in transport emissions by 2030. Emphasis on local air quality (NO₂, PM) and health (e.g., post-COVID hygiene awareness).

Highlights III: Guiding Principle – Miteinander Möglich Machen (“Together We Make It Possible”)

• Together (Miteinander): Participatory innovation with citizens, interdisciplinary research, and cross-sectoral partnerships. Key concept: Responsible Research and Innovation – aligning technology with societal values.
• We Can Make (Machen): Implementation via Living Labs – real-world experiments where innovations are tested, adapted, and scaled. Focus on scalability and entrepreneurship.
• Possible (Möglich): Encouragement of experimental approaches, use of open data platforms, agile governance, and public engagement events.

Selected Innovation Projects of the last years

• AQT – Car-Reduced Neighborhoods: Transforming 80+ parking spaces into green public spaces. Success in Munich due to community engagement, political support, and effective communication.
• Wiesn Shuttle – Autonomous Driving Pilot: Operating self-driving shuttles during Oktoberfest to test technology in complex urban settings. Goal: pave way for scalable on-demand autonomous services.
• TrEX – Living Labs Competence Center: Developing standards for safe, responsible urban experimentation. Collaboration among city, academia, and TÜV SÜD.
• ComfficientShare – Shared E-Car Infrastructure: Testing neighborhood-owned e-car sharing and charging systems to reduce private car ownership and promote efficient infrastructure use.
• SASIM – Smart Mobility Cost Calculator: Online tool calculating full environmental and social costs of transport choices, promoting sustainable behavior via price transparency and dynamic pricing strategies.

Conclusion

MCube illustrates how regional innovation ecosystems can lead the mobility transition. By combining technological innovation with social inclusion, MCube creates sustainable, scalable solutions rooted in local needs and global goals. The principle “Together We Make It Possible” emphasizes co-creation, public participation, and responsible innovation as keys to shaping future mobility.

Munich's unique mix of research, industry, governance, and civil society offers a model for other cities. The success of MCube shows that mobility transformation is not just about technology, but about aligning innovations with people and societal values to create intelligent, inclusive, and livable urban spaces.