Abstract
This study investigates how integrated zero-emission mobility systems can support environmental preservation and sustainable transport transitions, in tourism-intensive coastal areas. Using the European LIFE for Silver Coast project as a real-world case study, the research addresses the limited empirical evidence concerning the implementation and governance of a multimodal electric mobility ecosystem in environmentally fragile territories. The study adopts a mixed qualitative–quantitative methodology combining environmental monitoring data, mobility simulations, avoided-emission scenarios, and lifecycle-based environmental assessment to evaluate the impacts of a multimodal and intermodal electric mobility system integrating electric land vehicles, experimental photovoltaic-powered e-boats, and a digital Integrated Mobility Platform (IMP). Results demonstrate that the coordinated deployment of zero-emission transport modes contributes to measurable reductions in pollutant emissions and private vehicle dependency, while improving territorial accessibility and sustainable tourism mobility. The findings further highlight the role of platform-based coordination in facilitating the diffusion and social acceptance of sustainable mobility innovations. From a theoretical perspective, the study contributes to innovation management and sustainability transition research by conceptualizing LFSC place-based systemic eco-innovation model paradigm aligned with the Society 5.0 paradigm, where technological innovation, environmental governance, and user-centered mobility services converge within a collaborative regional ecosystem.