60 Italian Mayors Want to Be the Unlikely Solution to Self-Driving Cars in Europe

The article discusses a network of 60 Italian mayors who are seeking to transform their cities into testing grounds for self-driving cars. This initiative aims to help Italy and Europe catch up with the United States and China in the development of autonomous vehicle technology. The mayors believe that by creating these "living labs," they can foster innovation and attract investment from major tech companies and automakers. They hope to overcome the regulatory hurdles that have slowed the adoption of self-driving cars in Europe compared to other regions. The article notes that Italy's approach contrasts with the centralized policymaking in countries like France and Germany, where national governments typically take the lead on emerging technologies. The Italian mayors are taking a more decentralized, grassroots approach, leveraging their local knowledge and flexibility to create favorable conditions for testing and deploying self-driving cars. While the success of this initiative remains to be seen, it highlights the growing desire among local leaders in Europe to play a more active role in shaping the future of transportation and mobility.