Optimizing transport, innovation, modern logistics solutions, and improving safety – these are the main goals of the cooperation between PKP CARGO and the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR). Projects resulting from research and development work will be submitted by universities, scientific institutions, and companies from the transport industry.
PKP CARGO and NCBR will each contribute PLN 15 million to implement the best initiatives. Research and Development (R&D) is an important element of the development strategy for the largest freight carrier in Poland and the second largest in the European Union, and the cooperation between PKP CARGO and NCBR is one of the largest investments of this type in the PKP Group. The agreement was signed on Tuesday, August 18, by Prof. Krzysztof Kurzydłowski, Director of NCBR, and Adam Purwin, President of the Management Board of PKP CARGO, and Wojciech Derda, Member of the Management Board of PKP CARGO for Operations.
– Developing a company based on new technologies is the best way to gain a lasting competitive advantage, and achieving technological progress in logistics is of particular importance. By increasing its commitment to research and development activities and implementing innovative solutions, PKP CARGO will be able to compete confidently in international markets – says Prof. Krzysztof Jan Kurzydłowski, Director of the National Centre for Research and Development.
– For a large European player like PKP CARGO, innovation is a necessary condition for development. We want to systematically increase our operational efficiency and reduce costs. Good examples of the solutions we are looking for are the modern IT systems already being introduced at PKP CARGO, which support sales and customer service, as well as drones used to protect our trains – says Adam Purwin, President of the Management Board of PKP CARGO. – By commissioning and financing research in areas of interest to us, we expect results that will improve and strengthen our business.
The partners will allocate PLN 15 million each to the project. The joint initiative of NCBR and PKP CARGO is based on an open innovation model, which means it is aimed at scientific institutions, universities, and entrepreneurs.
In cooperation with NCBR, PKP CARGO wants to specifically develop IT tools and systems for optimizing logistics and operational processes (including fleet and terminal management), which, in addition to reducing operating costs, will enable optimal use of the company’s resources.
– PKP CARGO owns over two thousand locomotives and over 60 thousand freight wagons. We employ several thousand people in our daily work. With such a large scale of operations, every solution that optimizes resource management is worth its weight in gold – says Wojciech Derda, Member of the Management Board of PKP CARGO for Operations. – For example: just a few percent reduction in electricity consumption means multi-million savings for us. That is why we are convinced that our investments in R&D can pay off handsomely in a short time.
The largest Polish carrier also wants to acquire solutions that increase the safety of its trains, goods, and terminals. The cooperation with NCBR is also intended to help acquire innovative technologies for the design and construction of modern rolling stock, which would support the independent production of freight wagons planned by PKP CARGO from 2016.
The first competition will be announced in the first quarter of 2016.