The International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) joined the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Region II Congress in Boracay, Philippines last week to share two business models for safety impact and financial sustainability capitalising on the mobility leadership of Asia Pacific clubs.
From 29 September to 1 October, 120 delegates from regional FIA Clubs came together for three days of collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing, exploring priorities to advance safe and sustainable mobility and increase accessibility to motor sport.
The Asia-Pacific region is one of the FIA’s most diverse and dynamic, spanning some of the world’s fastest-growing mobility markets and an expanding motor sport community.
Discussions across mobility focused on road safety, innovation, sustainable and accessible transport, tourism and the changing needs of road users, building on the FIA’s work to support Clubs in delivering impact at national and regional levels.
iRAP CEO Greg Smith and Global Programme and Communications Manager Judy Williams joined the session “Beyond Advocacy: Unlocking New Commercial Frontiers in Mobility”, with Judy delivering a keynote presentation on two iRAP business models for FIA Clubs: Road Safety Intelligence as a Service and Community Safety as a Service.
The models provide opportunities for Clubs to partner with the public and private sector to identify high-risk roads, inform evidence-based investment plans, build back better for safety and climate resilience, and measure, certify and celebrate progress.
Opportunities to partner to deliver safer school and cycling journeys were also explored, demonstrating how FIA Clubs are contributing to many interconnected global sustainable development priorities, including road safety, gender equality, social inclusion and meaningful youth participation.
“Inspirational case studies from around the world demonstrate these business models in action,” Judy Williams, iRAP’s Global Programme and Communications Manager said.
“FIA Clubs can develop technical expertise in the iRAP Methodology and tools to help partners deliver CSR programmes, reduce risk exposure across their networks and engage their employees and communities in meaningful social impact programmes.
“For Clubs, these models offer more than potential project revenue. They provide an opportunity to build lasting road safety capability, creating pathways to recurring revenue, deeper member engagement and partnerships in new sectors and industries.
“Clubs are trusted mobility leaders with strong local knowledge and relationships. Supported by iRAP’s globally recognised measure of road infrastructure safety, tools and training, they are well positioned through these business models to deliver even greater safety impact with financial returns,” she said.
The session also featured Ian Stone, Consultant outlining regional commercial capabilities, OEM opportunities and the launch of drive training; FIA Region II President Joe Ferreria sharing plans for regional growth and cooperation; FIA Director of Member Relations and Development Diana Dumois showcasing the FIA Drone digital training platform and DRIVER Safety Index; and Luca Pascotta, FIA Director of Road Safety and Global Advocacy presenting the FIA’s youth report and opportunities for greater engagement with young people.
iRAP CEO Greg Smith said, “iRAP is a success story of the FIA with the first idea for the establishment of Road Assessment Programmes coming from Mobility Clubs. iRAP’s global impact would not be possible without the support of the FIA and FIA Foundation. We’re delighted to be part of this important event.”
FIA President H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem who joined the congress said: “The Asia-Pacific region is central to the future of both mobility and motor sport, and our Member Clubs are at the heart of that progress. From improving road safety and embracing innovation to creating new opportunities for people to participate in motor sport, our Clubs are delivering real impact for their communities.”
FIA Region II President and President of host club the Automobile Association Philippines, Augustus ‘Joe’ Ferreria, said: “The strength of this region comes from the diversity, knowledge and ambition of our Member Clubs. Bringing our community together in the Philippines gives us the opportunity to learn from one another, identify shared challenges and develop solutions that can support Clubs across the region. The Asia-Pacific Congress is an important moment for us to build on the progress already being made and ensure our Clubs have the tools, knowledge and connections they need to continue growing.”
The congress follows a period of significant activity for the FIA across the region. The FIA has expanded its Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme into the Asia Pacific, launching 17 road safety projects across 15 countries in the region. iRAP has supported the initiative mentoring clubs in four countries.
Globally, FIA’s Membership comprises 246 Clubs across five continents, connecting more than 80 million members. Supported by the FIA Foundation, iRAP is a member of the FIA and is assisting 140 FIA Clubs in 99 countries to make roads, streets and highways in their communities safer.
