As part of the SPOTLOG project, Vidzeme Planning Region invited Aleksandrs Kotļars from Riga Technical University (RTU), identified in the project as a stakeholder, to share his insights. RTU involvement is significant for providing research-based conclusions that not only help address logistics challenges in Vidzeme, but also offer an internationally relevant perspective on the future of sustainable mobility.
Aleksandrs Kotļars, researcher at Riga Technical University (RTU), is conducting research within the Trans4Eco project to support the shift from traditional diesel-based logistics to green alternatives, such as electric vehicles, hydrogen and other low-emission solutions for the last mile. His work focuses on developing dynamic models that help logistics providers and businesses make informed decisions during this transition.
Kotļars explains that two complementary models are being elaborated. The first supports logistics providers in moving from diesel to alternative transport. The second serves as a decision-making tool to strengthen cooperation between businesses, enabling closer collaboration across the supply chain. “It’s not only about imagining future scenarios — it’s about creating practical tools that help companies and municipalities make informed choices,” he notes.
Cross-sector challenges
The research relies on extensive data collection and market analysis across Europe, including cooperation with global logistics providers active in the Baltic States.
This approach makes it possible to build forecasts that reflect both industry patterns and consumer trends. “We analyzed the European market to understand the current situation with diesel, electric vehicles, hydrogen and other fuels. This data-driven approach allows us to build realistic models for the sector,” Kotļars adds.
Yet several critical challenges persist. Infrastructure and investment gaps remain the most pressing, particularly in low-density rural areas. Fiscal impacts on municipalities dependent on fuel tax revenues and limited awareness among stakeholders and consumers are also major barriers.
“This transition must be truly collaborative, involving governments, businesses, logistics providers and customers,” Kotļars emphasizes.
Data, AI and the road ahead
A central part of the research is showing how digitalization can transform logistics. Predictive and prescriptive analytics allow companies to plan procurement, manage supply chains and measure the sustainability impacts of new transport modes.
“To assess CO₂ savings or other benefits, we need reliable data. It has to be collected, processed and accumulated across the supply chain,” he underlines.
Looking ahead, Kotļars highlights AI-based platforms as a significant trend: “We are moving from the information era to the intelligence era. AI tools will help coordinate all stakeholders — shippers, transport companies, brokers and customers — within a single system.”
At the same time, he stresses that personal relationships remain equally important: “Efficient supply chains are not built only on digital tools. Partnerships, trust and cooperation between parties are crucial.”
Kotļars also points to the growing importance of regional logistics hubs to avoid inefficiencies such as underutilized green vehicles producing more CO₂ than diesel. Moreover, changing consumer behavior — for example, the rise of vehicle leasing — requires adaptive logistics solutions.
“Universities are not only observers. We provide knowledge, collect and analyze data, and develop AI-based tools that will become essential for the logistics sector in the near future,” Kotļars concludes.
