In an era where cities are urgently seeking sustainable solutions to pressing mobility challenges, bridging the gap between academic research and policy-making has never been more critical. For Tobias Held working at the intersection of both worlds, this means navigating a full-time role at the Ministry of Transport in Baden-Wuerttemberg while simultaneously pursuing a PhD in Urban Development and Governance at IHS. In this article, Tobias reflects on the challenges and lessons of managing dual roles, shares how research is shaping real-world mobility policies, and offers valuable takeaways for cities around the globe striving to accelerate the electric vehicle transition.
Pursuing a PhD while leading urban mobility transitions at the Ministry of Transport
In the realm of academia and urban governance, career paths often take unexpected turns. For Tobias, the decision to embark on a PhD journey at IHS while managing a full-time role at the Ministry of Transport was a blend of passion and opportunity. "I have been intrigued by governing urban electric mobility transitions since obtaining my Master's degree." Despite initially struggling to find the right academic niche for his aspirations, he seized the chance when Prof. Dr Dr Lasse Gerrits, his mentor from his Master's programme, offered him the opportunity to pursue a PhD at IHS.
"Getting into academia taught me an important lesson – there are multiple career paths within the field. Not doing the most straightforward one, is no failure. It is the one that fits best to your merits."
Balancing both roles has proven to be a formidable challenge. Discipline, time management, and resilience have been essential to keeping the momentum alive. "I knew that doing a PhD next to a sometimes very demanding full-time job is challenging. What I did not expected is the demand of time and energy for getting research articles published. Gratefully, my supervisors provided massive support und helped me to keep the fire burning." On the other hand, Tobias learned many lessons in planning, conducting and publishing research which benefited him a lot professionally.
"Also, IHS attracts the brightest and most talented people from around the globe. This community inspires and motivates me."
Translating research insights into policy implementation
The intersection of academic research and policy-making presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. "The pressure is steep on policy-makers to deliver solutions that tackle complex problems in the urban", Tobias shares. At IHS, under the guidance of Lasse Gerrits, he learned firsthand that rigorous research can significantly influence policy outcomes when it embraces complexity both theoretically and methodologically. "Generally, policy-making nowadays is linked much more to research that aims to embrace societal complexity than it was decades ago." Ultimately, research and policy-making must adapt to the nuances of societal complexity rather than the other way around.
Bridging the gap between theory and practice
An integral aspect of his PhD research has been translating insights into actionable strategies for policy-makers. "A key insight of my PhD project is that a successful electric vehicle policy configuration consists of different policies (e.g., subsidy for electric vehicle upon purchase, subsidies for private charging equipment, non-monetary incentives etc.) that are dependent on the urban context those policies are attached to." Such policies must be tailored to local urban contexts to effectively support these transitions. This insight directly informs Tobias' work at the Ministry of Transport in shaping policies for electric vehicle infrastructure in Baden-Wuerttemberg.
Ensuring that research findings are not confined to theoretical realms but are actionable for city planners and policymakers is paramount. Generally, the main research interest is geared towards a very practical question – which policies support urban e-mobility transitions?
"It is key for every researcher to go beyond the jargon and scope of academic research articles and translate research findings to audiences that are not accustomed to that."
In addition to academic publications, Tobias advises researchers to use platforms such as social media and non-academic conferences to share findings and engage with wider audiences, ensuring that research influences real-world decision-making.
Lessons for urban areas worldwide
Reflecting on his research journey, Tobias shares two key insights that stand out for urban areas globally. Firstly, electric vehicle transitions are more likely to happen, when policy-makers at national and urban, local levels create encompassing policy mixes. Monetary as well as non-monetary policy incentives are relevant, also sanctioning the use of petrol- or diesel-driven passenger cars. Secondly, policy mixes must be tailored to the local, urban context and need to be adjusted dynamically as a transitions unfolds. The dual role as a researcher and policy-maker highlights the complex relationship between academia and real-world governance. Through perseverance and collaboration, Tobias aims to provide valuable insights that not only enhance academic knowledge but also promote actionable change in urban mobility policies globally.
