PTIO Releases Research Priorities
Washington, D.C. — The Partnership for Transportation Innovation and Opportunity (PTIO) today released its recommended research priorities for consideration as its members work with policymakers and stakeholders to pursue a comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of the interplay between autonomous vehicles (AVs) and the future of work. The document identifies a set of key questions on which PTIO believes stakeholders should focus future research.
“PTIO’s top priority is to establish an objective, data-driven understanding of the impact autonomous vehicle technology will have on the workforce so we can begin preparing workers for this transition,” said PTIO Executive Director Maureen Westphal. “Since its launch in June 2018, PTIO has solicited the expertise, concerns, and ideas of a diverse group of stakeholders to provide guidance to policymakers as they plan and execute future research.”
Summary of PTIO’s Research Priorities:
Led by its members – including the American Trucking Associations, Daimler, FedEx, Ford, Lyft, Toyota Motor North America, Uber, and Waymo – PTIO’s mission is to advance AV technology in ways that improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for all Americans. Ensuring the workforce realizes the economic gains and other benefits of this new technology requires sound and proactive public policies based on an accurate understanding of our AV future. To this end, PTIO urges policymakers and other interested stakeholders to promote and support research initiatives in the areas outlined below.
- Examining the Workforce Transition
While various existing bodies of research predict that AVs will have a gradual – rather than immediate – effect on the workforce, questions persist as to how that will play out over time, how current occupations are likely to be affected, and what new occupations are likely to emerge.
- Understanding Training Needs and Delivery
As a country, we need to understand how to prepare incumbent and new workers for AV-related careers by identifying how government, industry, educators, and other stakeholders can partner to deliver effective training and placement services for these emerging opportunities.
- Studying Quality of Life Improvements
AV technology represents an opportunity to improve working conditions inherent in some driving occupations and may also help empower groups who experience transportation-related career limitations. While some preliminary research has been conducted in this area, further study is needed to fully assess what these enhancements will mean for job creation and the labor market as a whole.
To view PTIO’s Research Priorities, click here.
