Using Logistics Research to Influence Government Policy

On May 9th, 2012 Prof. Alan McKinnon (KLU) will give his Inaugural lecture on the topic "Using Logistics Research to Influence Government Policy". The lecture is open to the public. Space is limited, so please register ahead of time.

Past event — 9 May 2012
18:0019:30 

Kühne Logistics University
Grosser Grasbrook 17, 20457 Hamburg

English
Spoken language

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Prof. Alan C. McKinnon, PhD

Professor of Logistics

Kühne Logistics University - KLU

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Abstract:

Logistics researchers can have an important role to play in advising public-policy makers and influencing government decisions on a range of transport and business issues. In this lecture Professor McKinnon will outline his experience of conducting research for government agencies and getting entangled in several public policy debates. He will focus on three  issues:

  • The relaxation of truck size and weight limits to permit greater consolidation of loads: A cost-benefit analysis by Professor McKinnon underpinned the UK government decision in 2001 to increase maximum truck weight from 41 to 44 tonnes. Subsequent work has contributed to heated debates on the legalisation of longer and heavier trucks and the harmonisation of trailer height limits across the EU.
  • The electronic tolling of trucks to recover environmental and congestion costs: Professor McKinnon conducted a critical review of UK government plans for ‘lorry road user charging’  arguing that they too expensive and not ‘fit for purpose’.
  • The measurement of CO2 emissions from freight transport: early efforts by governments to carbon footprint freight operations contained numerous inaccuracies and inconsistencies. A new approach was proposed to correct many of these anomalies.

In his lecture Professor McKinnon will illustrate some of the problems of conducting policy relevant research, especially on controversial topics. These range from misrepresentation of your research results to personal attacks on your competence and integrity. Academics research is nevertheless a valuable source of the evidence civil servants and politicians need to make informed judgements in this field.

To register please send an email to:beate.linnenberg(at)klu.org

The Lecture Series

The KLU Lecture Series is a forum for scientists and practitioners to talk and discuss on state-of-the art topics related loosely to logistics and entrepreneurship.

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Kühne Logistics University