The transition to smart mobility - acceptance and roles in future transportation

Most contemporary notions of the fairly recent concept 'smart mobility' portray an imminent transition of similar socio-economic consequences as the shift from horses to automobiles did 100 years ago. In this context, the present dissertation offers an in-depth look at the variables involved in the equation of smart mobility acceptance (1) and envisaged institutional change (2). Both views are embedded in the transition framework of the multi-level perspective (MLP).
Study 1 is user-orientated. It develops an UTAUT2 from a comprehensive literature review. Three scenarios validate the structural equation model (SEM) in SmartPLS. Use cases cover eBikes (N = 537), Mobility-as-a-Service (N = 531), and fully automated vehicles (N = 558). Based on the results, acceptance primarily relies on five factors: performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, social influence, habit, and hedonic motivation. Further findings and implications are discussed, both for theory and practice.
Study 2 applies the Institutional Role Model (IRM) to mobility transitions, prior research having highlighted the urgency to better understand system dynamics. Thus, this innovative approach enables the smart mobility ecosystem to be mapped in a structured manner. Nine institutions, four technical roles, and four economic roles are identified. Results of interviews with experts (N = 8) validate and specify the model. The IRM's significance as a vision provider for the mobility regime is elicited.
In the end, these two perspectives amalgamate. Following philosopher Juergen Habermas this opens up a more sophisticated space for public debate about the commencing transition to smart mobilit'.