IRU PROJECTS ASBL

Their core work

IRU Projects is the project arm of the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the global industry association representing road transport operators. Within H2020, they bring the voice of the commercial road transport sector into EU research — contributing real-world operational knowledge, industry requirements, and access to transport operator networks across Europe. Their work spans freight logistics optimization, cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS), driver behaviour and training, and the transition to zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles. They serve as an industry bridge, ensuring that research outputs align with what road transport companies actually need and can adopt.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2015–2018), IRU Projects focused on traditional logistics optimization, ITS deployment, and capacity-building through training and education — projects like AEOLIX, LEARN, and CAPITAL reflect an industry association helping digitize and professionalize freight transport. From 2019 onward, their focus broadened significantly toward societal impact: transport poverty and inclusion (HiReach), emissions reduction through behavioural change (MODALES), hydrogen-powered freight (H2Haul), and autonomous logistics (AWARD). This shift mirrors the EU Green Deal's influence on transport research, with IRU positioning itself at the intersection of decarbonization and freight operations.

IRU Projects is moving from traditional logistics efficiency toward decarbonization and autonomy in freight transport, making them a relevant partner for any project tackling zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles or autonomous logistics.

How they like to work

IRU Projects operates exclusively as a participant — they have never coordinated an H2020 project. Their role is that of an industry representative bringing the transport sector's perspective to large research consortia. With 265 unique partners across 26 countries, they maintain an exceptionally broad network rather than deep ties with a few repeat partners, which reflects their function as a pan-European association that connects researchers with the road transport industry.

With 265 unique consortium partners across 26 countries, IRU Projects has one of the broadest collaboration networks in the transport sector. Their Brussels base and global association status give them connections spanning all major EU member states and beyond.

What sets them apart

IRU Projects is the research arm of the world's leading road transport association, giving any consortium instant access to a network of transport operators, national associations, and policy contacts that no university or SME can match. Their value is not in labs or technology development — it is in ensuring research results are grounded in industry reality and can be adopted at scale. For consortium builders, adding IRU means adding the road transport industry's collective voice and dissemination reach to the project.

Highlights from their portfolio

• AEOLIX
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 751,875), focused on building a pan-European logistics data exchange architecture — a flagship project for freight digitization.
• H2Haul
  Marks IRU's strategic entry into hydrogen fuel cell trucks for heavy-duty transport, signaling commitment to zero-emission freight beyond traditional logistics.
• AWARD
  Their most recent project (2021–2024), focused on autonomous logistics in real-world conditions — points to IRU's future direction in automated freight transport.