Transport systems play a fundamental role in facilitating the movement of people and goods. As these systems evolve, they are becoming increasingly complex and interconnected, while in many regions of the world the demand for new transport infrastructure continues to rise rapidly. At the same time, transport infrastructure is exposed to a wide range of risks, including those associated with climate change. These risks may manifest locally yet generate cascading effects with system-wide consequences. Consequently, alongside the long-standing emphasis on efficiency and the growing imperative of decarbonisation, the enhancement of resilience within transport systems is attracting increasing scholarly and policy attention.

In this talk, Jasper will discuss a number of strands of research that have sought to advance understanding of transport system resilience across multiple spatial and functional scales. These investigations range from analyses of localised infrastructure failures, through studies of regional port–hinterland networks, to assessments of the connectivity of global freight flows. The discussion will encompass both empirical case studies and model-based simulations, to identify overarching principles across contexts as well as factors that are shaped by the specific scales of analysis. Jasper will conclude by outlining potential avenues for future research in this domain.

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