Sustainable Mobility LAb (SML)

The International Engineering Competence Centre at POLIS University created in the framework of the INTEC project, aims to increase the awareness of sustainable transport solutions by training competent individuals through innovative and interdisciplinary education. Its focus is to function as a center for research, training, and activities in the field of sustainable mobility and promoting the use of renewable energy solutions. The values of the center support the creation of transport systems that respond to future mobility needs, and are listed below:

  1. Reducing the environmental impact of transport mobility by promoting eco-friendly, efficient, and economical alternatives of means of transportation;
  2. Promoting the newest innovations and technology in transport systems with a sustainable approach;
  3. Improving the quality of life of cities and communities;
  4. Resilience and adaptability to climate and economic changes.

The mission of POLIS IECC is to become the first innovative center for Albanian cities that responds to the demands in the sector of sustainable transport infrastructure and renewable energy. It aims to promote multidisciplinary collaboration between academics, NGOs, local entities, government, and individuals that support the same values as this IECC, in order to obtain a higher standard transport system for Albania.

Driven by various challenges Albania is facing in transport and mobility, the IECC at POLIS University under the name of Sustainable Mobility Lab (SML), aims to bring to focus the needs of these systems pushing towards solutions in mobility and transportation from all levels, to promote a sustainable transition of the existing system. The center’s objective is to share knowledge and promote innovative solutions aligning with European Union sustainability goals, and focuses on Transportation Design to address sustainable strategies to reduce the environmental impact on Automotive Design. Such strategies deal with vehicle design issues, including material, design and structure.

The home institution of the “Sustainable Mobility Lab” is POLIS University, located in the campus of the university. It serves as a complementary unit within the institution by providing constant collaboration with other existing laboratories of the university and promoting a multi-disciplinary approach. The IECC operates as a research center under the management of trained academics of POLIS University, known as the ambassadors of the IECC. The center is supported by other academic staff, previously trained by INTEC project activities. In addition, the center recruits students from various departments, to empower their skills and competence in sustainable practices, to put into action in their professional future, and position them as future leaders in the sustainable development of the cities.

“SML” is in constant collaboration with other HEIs and stakeholders, to achieve qualitative research and to put into practice innovative solutions in sustainable transport systems. The engagement of community and local entities enhances further the possibility of the implementation of the ideas, as a result, it plays a crucial role in the IECC activity.  

SML operates as a business model grounded in innovation through research, educational skill development trainings, partnership with strategic stakeholders, and development consulting services. This model generates income by ensuring its long-term sustainability to support its operation but also promotes its potential future growth.  

The “Sustainable Mobility Lab” marketing strategy is based on social media, press, academic input, and promotional events to promote all the services the IECC offers. The main mode of marketing will be through digital outreach on the INTEC project’s website along the project duration period and a dedicated website and social media platform, followed by print media, such as leaflets and brochures, to promote the mission and vision of SML. All of the trainings, activities, and events developed in the IECC; and the collaboration with potential stakeholders will be disseminated through these platforms. SML aims to build strategic partnerships with government agencies and the private sector to enhance the brand of SML and attract new potential clients, also by organizing seminars related to the developed research in the IECC and the academic outputs. While, the training programs will be additionally available on the official website of POLIS University and social media, attracting the interest of students, academics, and researchers.  

The activities developed in the IECC, in accordance with the business model strategy, will provide several income resources for its independent operation through educational incomes, equipment use fees, research grants, and potential stakeholders funding. The university is providing financial support for the physical space and infrastructure of the IECC.