Today we introduce you to Efe UsanMaz, representative of UITP

What is your work focused on in E-LOBSTER project?

My work is focused on contributing to the legislative and future marketability of E-LOBSTER project by stakeholder engagement. I encourage and inform external stakeholders about project’s technological and legislative achievements that may interest their business decisions to acquire E-LOBSTER solution in their operations beyond the end of the project. I also contribute to the dissemination of E-LOBSTER to wider public and interested target groups.

What are the main challenges you face in this work and how are you meeting these challenges?

The main challenge these days is that main targeted E-LOBSTER external stakeholders like public transport operators, authorities and private companies are mainly taken by their internal crisis management activities. Reaching these external stakeholders for a feedback or information are very hard these days during to COVID-19 crisis, but we are adapting fast to the new situation and we are looking for alternative formats and initiatives to engage our stakeholders in the project.

Is the current COVID-19 emergency affecting your daily job? How?

My company is on smart working mode since 12 March. I have adapted very quickly and it does not affect my daily job. I continue my activities by working from home.

Do you think that your activities will be different after the end of the emergency? How?

My activities mainly require efforts by physical meetings or participating to European/international events at large scale (e.g. over 500 participants). I think the recovery period will take longer than expected and participating or organising gatherings, physical meetings will no longer be ideal option by the end of 2020. However, adaptation of meetings into virtual style proves to be efficient.

What do you enjoy the most about working in an international Project Consortium such as E-LOBSTER?
I enjoy the cultural and multi-national diversity that enable us to bring different perspectives, learnings, examples from all over Europe. We have a great collaboration among consortium members and this affect me to enjoy working in E-LOBSTER project at the highest standards.