Assessment of Sustainable Mobility by MCDM Methods in the Science and Technology Parks of Vilnius, Lithuania

Abstract

The development of science and technology parks (STPs) has become a trendy tool for promoting the economy, innovation, and technology for more than 30 years worldwide. However, STPs poses challenges for urban planners seeking a vision of sustainable urban development. These places become an object of attraction for many highly skilled workers who create daily traffic flows. The proper accessibility and provision of transport infrastructure and services become the challenge for the development of such places because the availability of services influences the choice of travel mode and the possible employees’ travel behaviour. The authors of the research aim to assess the level of development of infrastructure and transport services conducive to the sustainable mobility of science and technology park staff in Vilnius city. Changing mobility behaviour into a more sustainable way is of interest to many scientists and practitioners, so the authors think that STP staff can represent a group of educated, working-age stakeholders within the city population, who has an interest in sustainable mobility travel options and can set an example of sustainable travel. Besides, recommendations for the planning and sustainable development from the sustainable urban mobility point of view of science and technology parks and similar institutions are provided. To achieve this goal, the authors use scientific empirical and theoretical research as well as multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. The results show the link between the distance from the developed STP site to the city centre and the more sustainable mobility of workers. Therefore, it is suggested to develop STPs closer to the urban centre as it often does not require large-scale development, nor do they engage in the polluting industry. Moreover, the authors suggest the key criteria that should be considered for STP development.