Rail Open Lab: Handover of the presidency for a year under the sign of innovation

Paris, 12 january 2025

This beginning of the year marked a key moment for the Rail Open Lab: the handover of the presidency between Raphaël Blanchard, president 2024, and Pierre Daburon, president 2025.

Created in 2020 as a continuation of the Digital Open Lab, the Rail Open Lab brings together major players in the railway industry –RATP, SNCF Réseau, FIF, and SERCE – with the mission to accelerate technological transition and innovate at the service of the railway sector.

Under the presidency of Raphaël Blanchard, the association has strengthened its role as a catalyst for innovation. More than 50 use cases have been handled since its creation, including many successfully industrialized. The community has expanded with the arrival of new members such as M TAG, MESEA, and Infrabel, which has allowed to strengthen international openness. The visibility of the Rail Open Lab has also increased thanks to an innovative digital strategy, while more than 30 field visits have been carried out to encourage collaboration and better understand members' needs.

Upon taking over the presidency, Pierre Daburona set three strategic priorities to address the challenges of the sector, including increased traffic, decarbonisation, climate resilience and modernisation. It aims to intensify the industrialization of use cases in order to maximize benefits for the entire sector. He also wishes to energize the ecosystem by attracting new members and strengthening existing partnerships. Finally, it aspires to strengthen the attractiveness of the sector to attract new talents and partners.

The Rail Open Lab intends to continue its efforts to innovate and contribute to the construction of the railway sector of tomorrow.

Want to know more : Rail Open Lab - L'accélérateur