An Assessment of the Factors Determining the Development and Sustainability of the Transport Industry and Their Interrelationships: The Case of Lithuania

Abstract

The transportation sector is encountering escalating issues associated with technical progress, environmental laws, economic upheavals, and deficiencies in personnel capabilities. Although prior research has examined these concerns separately, there is an absence of thorough studies investigating the interaction between these elements and their influence on the long-term sustainability of the transportation industry. This study aims to address this research vacuum by providing a comprehensive examination of the impact of technical breakthroughs, environmental requirements, supply chain obstacles, and worker skills on the advancement and sustainability of the transport sector. This research employs expert assessment and regression analysis to investigate data from important stakeholders in the transport industry, aiming to elucidate the interrelationships among these four parameters. The results demonstrate a robust association between technical progress and environmental restrictions, while also underscoring considerable economic challenges, especially supply chain disruptions that impede the adoption of new technology. The lack of trained labour is seen as a significant element that intensifies these issues. This study enhances the current literature by providing a comprehensive view of the elements influencing the sustainability of the transport industry. The report offers actionable suggestions for industry stakeholders, including measures to improve staff training, streamline supply chain management, and more efficiently incorporate new technology. These results have considerable significance for governments and transport corporations aiming to secure the industry’s long-term sustainability.

1. Introduction

In consideration of contemporary changes in the transport industry, sustainable development has emerged as essential to address the escalating environmental, economic, and social concerns. Sustainable mobility faces numerous challenges globally, which can be broadly categorised into three dimensions: social, economic, and environmental. For instance, in European Union countries, environmental policies, such as the European Green Deal, have prioritised the reduction of transport emissions through stricter regulations and incentives for cleaner technologies [1]. However, in emerging economies like India, the focus is often on improving access to affordable and efficient public transportation, addressing social disparities in mobility, while balancing economic constraints [2]. Moreover, studies on sustainable development have highlighted that transport systems must integrate environmental concerns with social equity and economic viability to achieve long-term sustainability [3,4].

Taking into account the above-mentioned challenges, it can be emphasised that:

• The social aspects of sustainability relate to the equitable distribution of access to transport services, mobility opportunities in society, and the integration of transport infrastructure within communities. One of the main social problems related to sustainable mobility is unequal access to transport infrastructure among different social groups. Research shows that lower-income communities have limited access to clean and efficient public transportation, which increases their social and economic exclusion. This problem is particularly relevant in developing countries, such as Brazil, where the urban transport system does not adequately meet the needs of people living in peripheral areas [5].
• From an economic point of view, the development of sustainable transport infrastructure requires significant financial investments from both the public and private sectors. Many countries, such as the United States, face funding gaps, especially when it comes to modernising ageing transportation infrastructure [6]. In addition, less developed countries often do not have sufficient economic resources to effectively implement new technologies and innovations, which leads to a gap between world regions in the field of transport development.
• On the other hand, from the point of view of environmental protection, great attention is paid to the reduction of emissions from the transport sector. For example, the European Union has introduced strict emission reduction rules under the Green Deal, which envisages a 90% reduction in emissions by 2050 [1]. However, this goal requires not only technological innovations, such as the development of electric vehicles, but also developed policy solutions that allow the application of these innovations in all transport sectors.
• Also, it should be remembered that under the Paris Agreement, most countries have committed to significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the transport sector plays an important role in the implementation of these goals [7]. The transformation of transport infrastructure in accordance with these goals requires not only technological innovation, but also wide-scale cooperation between the public and private sectors.

In their literature review, ref. [6] emphasises that sustainability challenges in the transport sector are complex and include not only technological issues but also social and economic factors. Research also shows that sustainability requires a holistic approach, involving different stakeholders in transport planning processes.

While prior studies investigate several aspects of technology and sustainability, there is insufficient research to comprehensively evaluate the interrelationship of these elements and their influence on sector growth. This study seeks to analyse four essential aspects—technical advancements, environmental mandates, supply chain obstacles, and labour skills—that influence the evolution and sustainability of the transportation industry. Examining the interplay among these elements will enable us to provide pragmatic ideas and strategies that assist the industry in adapting to swiftly evolving demands and securing the sector’s long-term survival. In New Zealand, vehicle fuel consumption is the main source of transport emissions, highlighting a policy gap that needs to be addressed through econometric models [8]. In India, traffic congestion, illegal parking, ineffective traffic signals, rising fuel prices, insufficient driver training, and poor cleanliness and safety in rail and air transport are significant challenges faced by transport users and service providers [9].

The advancement of the transport industry is intrinsically linked to emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), digital twins, and multidimensional data synthesis solutions, that enhance operational efficiency and mitigate environmental effects. European Union initiatives, such as the European Green Deal and United Nations Agenda 2030 objectives, underscore the need to digitalise transport for enhanced sustainable mobility [10]. These initiatives demonstrate that sophisticated telematics technologies [11], encompassing artificial intelligence and real-time data management, can assist the transportation sector in minimising costs and emissions [12], while enhancing traffic management and logistics efficiency [13].

Moreover, technologies like digital twins and IoT facilitate enhanced real-time monitoring of transport system performance, particularly in urban logistics, where the precise modelling of routes and travel durations can markedly alleviate congestion and enhance service quality [14]. The research underscores the significance of multidimensional data fusion in precisely forecasting traffic speeds and journey durations, via the use of diverse sensors that can synchronise data and enhance vehicle flow in urban infrastructures [15]. In the analysis of transformations within the transport sector regarding urban logistics [16], the significance of new information and communication technologies is paramount, particularly in the management of urban freight flows and the optimisation of product supply [17]. Telematics, powered by IoT and real-time data analysis, may significantly enhance the sustainability and efficiency of both logistics and urban transport systems.

Smart cities, which integrate infrastructure and services to improve efficiency and quality of life, require close cooperation between different sectors. To create a successful smart city, not only is technological development necessary, but also attracting investments and increasing public awareness. In China, for example, the transportation sector is growing rapidly due to government policies, market demand, and the convergence of key elements. To ensure the sustainable development of transport, China must create an effective regulatory system, reduce import barriers, promote private investments, and use economic stimulus mechanisms [18].

Transport and logistics companies often face a lack of environmental measures due to their position in the supply chain and the lack of a sustainability framework [19]. To improve sustainability performance, companies can use route optimisation, freight movement linking, and efficient warehousing strategies. Policy measures, such as the regulation of fuel taxes and road pricing, can promote green transport, and financial support is essential for small- and medium-sized enterprises [20].

Economic, physical, and “soft” policies are necessary to create a sustainable mobility system. Economic policies should promote low-carbon transport, while physical policies should ensure the availability of sustainable alternatives. “Soft” policies must educate the public about the consequences of their choices and encourage them to make sustainable decisions [21].

Sustainable development and sustainable transport are hot topics in many countries, requiring a holistic approach to societal and economic development, integrating environmental aspects. The automotive industry is also exploring technologies to address energy and environmental issues, such as improving engine efficiency, rationalising consumption through intelligent transport systems, and developing sustainable manufacturing technologies [22].

The Lithuanian transport sector faces numerous challenges, including climate change, environmental challenges, modernisation and technological development, and social and economic challenges. This highlights the importance of coordination between stakeholders and the development of innovative financing models, especially in developing countries [23].

The transport infrastructure industry is undergoing significant changes related to its financial aspects, supply and demand developments, economic competitiveness, and sustainability. Research shows that transport infrastructure systems will remain imperfect and largely focused on urban areas, requiring flexible planning solutions. Governments will need to identify and evaluate new financing models that promote sustainable development. Economic competitiveness and the transport infrastructure will be closely linked, and technology integration and collaborative concepts will become key drivers of competitiveness in the future [24].

To ensure the sustainable development of the transport sector in Lithuania, it is necessary to carefully assess the possibilities of applying international experiences and learn from them. Expert knowledge and experience accumulated from other countries are crucial in addressing these challenges. For example, China has taken stricter environmental measures, such as mandating the use of catalytic converters and promoting green fuels, due to expert recommendations and strategic consultations. In Lithuania, where climate change and environmental challenges have a significant impact, the help of experts could help form effective political measures that reduce the damage caused by the transport sector to the environment and promote sustainable development [25].

In addition to improving transport policy, experts can play a crucial role in increasing the efficiency of transport policy. In Finland, long-term weather forecast data have been used to improve transport planning, reducing the vulnerability of the transport system to extreme weather conditions [26]. In Lithuania, where weather conditions also have a significant impact on the transport sector, it is necessary to use experts to create integrated policy measures to address both economic and social challenges [27].

Financial challenges are also important in ensuring the long-term development of the infrastructure. In Asia, expert assistance has been used to develop financing models that enable the development of sustainable infrastructure despite limited resources. In Lithuania, where financial restrictions are also faced, expert assistance could help create effective financing models that would ensure the long-term development of transport infrastructure [28].

Thus, it can be said that there is a wealth of current research on sustainability in the transport sector, but most of it examines individual factors rather than their interactions. The existing literature focuses on three main areas: technological changes, environmental requirements, and economic and labour market factors. However, a critical analysis of the existing research reveals several significant gaps that this study aims to fill.

Most previous studies focus on one specific aspect—technology (e.g., the use of smart telematics in logistics), environmental requirements (e.g., the impact of the EU Green Deal on transport), or economic challenges (e.g., supply chain disruptions). However, a shortcoming of these studies is that they do not analyse how these factors interact with each other. For example, while technological changes are often presented as a solution to environmental problems, few studies examine how these changes affect the labour market or create economic challenges for businesses. Our study addresses this issue by providing a holistic view of the interactions between technology, the environment, the economy, and the labour market.

Although theoretical models and case studies are available in the literature, there is little systematic empirical research to support these theories with real data. Our study fills this gap, as it is based on expert assessment and statistical analysis, which allows us not only to identify the main factors but also to assess their interrelationships (using Kendall’s correlation coefficient and Pearson analysis). In this way, our study provides a quantitative basis for what has so far been mainly examined only at a theoretical level.

Many previous studies focus on technological or economic aspects, but the issue of labour market competencies is often left aside. However, our results show that the lack of employee skills can become a major obstacle to the sustainable development of transport—if there are not enough qualified specialists, the implementation of new technologies can slow down, and compliance with environmental requirements can be difficult. This link has not been examined in detail in previous studies, therefore, our work provides a new perspective and practical recommendations on how to address this problem.

Most existing studies focus on large economies, such as the US, Germany or China, but less attention is paid to smaller countries that face specific challenges (e.g., dependence on larger regional markets, financing gaps, or infrastructure modernisation problems). This study analyses the case of the Lithuanian transport sector, providing insights that can be applied to other smaller or transition economies. In summary, it can be stated that many previous studies have examined the sustainability challenges of the transport sector related to technological, social and economic aspects, environmental measures of companies, or the application of individual policy measures for the implementation of green transport technologies, but these factors have mostly been analysed separately. Therefore, it can be stated that there is a lack of comprehensive studies that would simultaneously assess the interaction of these factors and their overall impact on the development of the transport sector.

The primary aim of this research is to evaluate the critical elements influencing the growth and sustainability of the transport industry, as well as to examine their interrelations. This paper elucidates the impact of technical advancements and environmental mandates on economic and supply chain issues, as well as the complications posed by labour market skill shortages in the execution of technological solutions. This study is significant as it offers practical insights on optimising aspects to enhance the long-term resilience of the transport system. This work enhances the greater scholarly discourse on the future of the transport sector, particularly in relation to environmental and technology integration problems.

Despite the fact that prior research has concentrated on specific technological, environmental, and financial aspects of the transportation industry, there is a dearth of comprehensive strategies that integrate these elements and examine their interactions. This research is distinctive in that it employs a methodical approach to the history of the transportation industry, which is founded on expert judgment and statistical analysis. This study not only points to the key elements but also shows their interconnectedness, thereby offering a fresh understanding of sustainable transportation development. The findings are relevant not only to academic study but also to corporate strategists and transportation officials trying to better control the change in the transportation industry.

This study is based on original empirical data collected from 60 experts representing different areas of the transport sector—technology development, environmental protection, logistics, and the labour market. This allows us to reflect real industry challenges, and not just theoretical models. In addition, this study examines the sustainability issues of the transport sector for the first time in the Lithuanian context. Although EU countries are actively pursuing sustainability goals, the Lithuanian transport sector faces the specific challenges of climate change, modernisation, and logistics. Until now, there has been a lack of comprehensive, evidence-based research on transport sustainability in the country. Therefore, this article not only contributes to the scientific literature but also provides a valuable case that can be compared with the situation in other regions.

2. Materials and Methods

Given these challenges in the transport sector, it is crucial to apply a structured methodology to assess the factors influencing sustainability and development. The following section outlines the methods used in this research.

Expert evaluation refers to the quantitative evaluation of processes or events that are not immediately measurable. Expert assessment techniques refer to the quantitative evaluation of qualitative aspects that define the specific topic of research. This evaluation is conducted by a predetermined number of professionals, known as experts, who possess the most extensive starting knowledge. Although expert opinions are highly valued, the approach used in this article is thoroughly explained and illustrated several times by the work of scientists [29] and one of the writers of this article. This study is based on original empirical data collected from 60 experts representing different areas of the transport sector—technology development, environmental protection, logistics, and the labour market. This allows us to reflect real industry challenges, and not just theoretical models. The expert assessment approach applied in this work enables the evaluation of qualitative elements challenging direct quantitative measurement. Although professional evaluation is frequently used in research on the transportation sector, the uniqueness of this study resides in the combination of expert opinions with statistical analysis—the computation of Kendall’s correlation coefficient and Pearson correlation analysis. This allows us not only to identify the most important factors but also to determine their interdependence. This method is more effective than traditional literature analysis because it is based on real expert experience, and not only on theoretical models. Such a combination of methods provides more accurate and practically applicable results that can be used for transport policy planning. The experts were chosen for their extensive expertise in the transportation industry and their specialised understanding of technical developments, environmental regulations, supply chain management, and labour market issues. The selection criteria were stringent: candidates were required to possess a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the relevant subject or to have overseen substantial initiatives within the transport industry. Furthermore, all experts were actively engaged in transport innovation or policy formulation, ensuring their familiarity with the sector’s current difficulties and potential. The expert panel included 60 persons from several sectors of transport, with 20% being technology professionals focused on the Internet of Things (IoT) and sophisticated telematics solutions within the industry. Another 25% of professionals focused on environmental and sustainability issues, particularly on pollution mitigation strategies and the execution of “green” logistics. Approximately 30% of the experts were professionals in logistics and supply chain management and had extensive expertise in analysing economic difficulties. The remaining experts were professionals in workforce management and competence development who actively engaged in employee training and qualification enhancement activities. Expert contributions are essential to the methodology of this research, as they offer profound insights into the primary issues influencing the growth and sustainability of the transport industry. Their assessments were integrated using statistical analytic techniques to verify the consistency and dependability of their judgments. The involvement of specialists in this research facilitates both theoretical analysis and the development of practical solutions, since they engage directly with contemporary difficulties in the transport industry.

Following the completion of the expert survey, the acquired data [30] underwent processing to generate consolidated data and carry out the required computations.

The importance of indices (criteria), as shown by their subjective normalised weights, may be ascertained by several algorithmic approaches. None of them has a theoretical superiority over the other approaches. Nevertheless, the fundamental concept behind all these algorithms remains the same: the first criterion should be allocated the most weight. The normalised weight values are those in which the total of the weight values of all criteria is equal to one [31].

A panel of n chosen specialists conducted a quantitative evaluation of m items (quality indicators), and the main data was organised, as shown in

Table 1. Data table of acquired assessments.

Expert Code		The Marker of the Indicator, j = 1, 2, …, m
		X1	X2	X3	…	Xm
I = 1, 2, …, n	E1	R11	R12	R13	…	R1m
	E2	R21	R22	R23	…	R2m
	E3	R31	R32	R33	…	R3m
	…	…	…	…	…	…
	En	Rn1	Rn2	Rn3	…	Rnm

, and then subjected to further computations.

The assessments are represented as a matrix with n rows and m columns [32]. Evaluations may be conducted using any measuring scale, whether it be in indicator units, parts of a unit, percentages, or a ten-point system. The ranking of indicators provided by the experts was appropriate for computing the concordance coefficient.

Ranking is a statistical process in which the most significant indicator is assigned a rank of one, the second indicator is assigned the second rank, and the last indicator is assigned a rank of m (m—number of benchmarks). Based on the indicators provided by the experts, the agreement among their views was assessed by computing Kendall’s rank concordance coefficient, W [33].

Following the methods outlined in [34,35,36], this article performs calculations for the following variables: the cumulative rankings for each indicator (criterion) with respect to all the experts, denoted as R_j; the sum of squares S (variance); and the general average computed by Ŕ and so on.

For the purpose of determining the average of the expert group views, which are represented as rankings, scores, or weights, it is essential to verify the compatibility of the opinions of all the experts. Consistency in the evaluations of all the experts is a prerequisite for the validity of the average calculation. Hence, the calculation of Kendall’s coefficient of variance was performed. A comparison was made between the computed value of W and its minimal value, W_min. Verification of the consistency of experts’ judgements can be achieved by computing the random variable X². If the value of X² exceeds X²_kr, it indicates that the experts’ evaluations are consistent. Given the fact that the opinions of all the experts were combined during the calculations, we did not present these calculations in the Section 3 and Section 4.

Once the expert assessment was computed and the order of the criteria was reviewed, the mutual interaction of these factors in terms of relevance was assessed using the linear correlation, which is measured by the Pearson correlation coefficient [37,38]. In addition, the analysis of the findings illustrates the interaction between the criteria by visually depicting the different forms of dependency between the two variables and Pearson correlation coefficients.

It is crucial to note that average rankings, R, do not directly reflect the relative importance of each rank. In this context, the importance indices, Q, could be used (

Table 2. Determining the order of importance of the examined criteria.

Formula	The Value of the Variable
$\overline{q}={\displaystyle \frac{{\overline{R}}_j}{\sum _{j=1}^m{R}_j}}$	Estimates
$d_j=1-{\overline{q}}_j=1-{\displaystyle \frac{{\overline{R}}_j}{\sum _{j=1}^m{R}_j}}$	Reverse size
$Q_j={\displaystyle \frac{d_j}{\sum _{j=1}^m{d}_j}}={\displaystyle \frac{d_j}{m-1}}$	Criteria importance indicator
${\overline{Q}}_j={\displaystyle \frac{\sum _{i=1}^n{B}_{ij}}{\sum _{i=1}^n\sum _{j=1}^m{B}_{ij}}}$	Importance indicator for each criterion

).

During this study, three groups of elements were evaluated:

• Four key elements involved in the growth of the transportation industry: technological advancements (A), environmental regulations and sustainability demands (B), economic and supply chain challenges (C), and the insufficient skills and competencies in the workforce (D).
• Four key strategic measures crucial for attaining sustainability in the transportation industry: allocating resources towards environmentally friendly technologies (A), providing training to personnel on sustainability concepts (B), enhancing collaboration with government institutions and non-governmental organisations (C), and integrating all these strategies (D).
• Four scenarios that depict the potential for the growth in the transport sector: a highly optimistic perspective, characterised by the sector’s quick adaptation to changes (A); an optimistic but labour-intensive and investment-intensive strategy (B); a neutral perspective that anticipates both growth and challenges (C); and a pessimistic perspective, characterised by significant difficulties (D).

A primary limitation of this research is the selected approach. While the expert assessment approach provided profound insights into the four primary elements influencing the transport sector’s growth, this methodology may be limited by subjectivity. The constraints of this method are evident in that the derived conclusions rely on the subjective experience and expertise of the specialists, rendering generalisation occasionally unfeasible. Additionally, this research acknowledges limitations stemming from the pace of technological advancement and economic difficulties. The transportation industry is ever evolving, with the adoption of new technology contingent upon the global economic landscape, political determinations, and environmental restrictions. A significant weakness in this research is its geographical and sectoral scope. This research concentrated on certain locations and sectors of the transport industry, which may not represent worldwide trends or difficulties in other areas of the globe. Consequently, our results may be constrained by geographic context and may not be relevant to other places.

The methodological innovation of this study lies in the complex combination of expert assessment and statistical analysis. Although expert analysis is often used in transport sector research, in this case it is not limited to opinion gathering alone—expert insights were systematically processed using statistical methods in order to assess their consistency (Kendall’s coefficient) and to quantitatively demonstrate interrelationships (Pearson correlation). Most previous studies in the transport sector have been limited to traditional regression analyses or qualitative surveys, which do not show such deep interrelationships. This study offers an alternative approach that combines qualitative expert assessments with quantitative statistical calculations, thus allowing for a more precise determination of the interaction of factors and the strength of their influence. This method provides an advantage for transport policymakers and industry representatives, as it allows them not only to identify the most important factors but also to predict how they affect each other in various circumstances.

From a practical perspective, the combination of expert assessment and correlation analysis allows us not only to identify the main factors for development in the transport sector but also to determine how these factors interact in a dynamic environment. This methodology allowed us to accurately determine that technological progress is strongly associated with the tightening of environmental requirements, but also highlighted unexpected relationships—for example, that the lack of labour market competencies affects economic challenges more than direct environmental factors. These insights allow us to formulate more targeted transport policy measures that not only promote technological development but also anticipate possible side effects, such as labour market needs or supply chain challenges.

3. Results

This study’s findings indicate a substantial correlation between technology advancements and environmental demands. The implementation of new technology, such as electric vehicles or IoT solutions, not only mitigates emissions but also presents new issues in the economic and labour sectors. Companies must spend on both infrastructure and the enhancement of personnel capabilities to properly use technology solutions. Consequently, we advocate for solutions that include investment in staff training and collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organisations to establish a sustainable and competitive transportation industry.

Sustainable transport and sustainable development are crucial for the future of transportation systems. Sustainability demands, which refer to the need for reducing environmental impact, increasing energy efficiency, and adopting socially responsible practices, are shaping the way transport systems are evolving. Current research indicates that existing transport policies and technologies are often insufficient to address these challenges, necessitating new and integrated strategies.

The dynamic nature of the transportation sector necessitates an evaluation of the primary factors that are most prone to interact and stimulate the expansion of the business.

Figure 1 illustrates the interconnectedness among the four key elements involved in the growth of the transportation industry: technological advancements (A), environmental regulations and sustainability demands (B), economic and supply chain challenges (C), and the insufficient skills and competencies in the workforce (D). The graphic displays red ellipses indicating confidence intervals and blue dots representing the raw data. Upon analysing these relationships, one may discern certain patterns that have significance within the framework of the transport sector’s growth. The analysis of the link between (A) and (B) reveals a favourable association. As the magnitude of technical advancement grows, such as the advancements in electric cars, the associated demands for environmental preservation likewise escalate. A correlation of this kind is rational, since emerging technology often addresses environmental demands or facilitates the formulation of more rigorous regulatory policies.

An analogous positive link exists between (A) and (C). This demonstrates that technical advancements may give rise to novel economic obstacles or increase the complexity of supply chains, as firms must adjust to new demands and provide resources for the necessary infrastructures.

There exists a robust positive link between (A) and (D). This relationship demonstrates that with more technical advancements, there is a corresponding rise in the need for a proficient workforce, which may be limited in the market. The advent of new technology necessitates certain abilities, so technical advancements often serve to emphasise or worsen deficiencies in the employment pool.

An examination of the link between (B) and (C) likewise reveals a favourable association. Consequently, more stringent environmental standards may result in economic challenges and interruptions to supply networks, particularly if rapid adjustment to new legislation is necessary, thereby causing substantial expenses for firms.

Furthermore, there is a clear positive association between (B) and (D). This implies that adherence to increasingly stringent environmental codes requires a skilled labour force that may not be accessible in the market, therefore exacerbating the challenges of implementing environmental standards.

The presence of a positive association between (C) and (D) indicates that workforce shortages are often linked to economic challenges and supply chain issues. Insufficient availability of highly trained personnel can lead to inefficiencies in supply chains, hence worsening economic issues.

Overall, the findings of this research indicate that the sustainability of the transport industry is influenced not only by technical innovations but also by the capacity to swiftly adjust to evolving environmental and economic demands. Companies are advised to adopt comprehensive plans that include technology advancements, enhancement of personnel skills, and collaboration with other organisations. These initiatives will facilitate the establishment of a more sustainable transport system while preserving competitiveness in a swiftly evolving landscape.

Figure 2 illustrates the interconnectedness among the four key strategic measures crucial for attaining sustainability in the transportation industry: allocating resources towards environmentally friendly technologies (A), providing training to personnel on sustainability concepts (B), enhancing collaboration with government institutions and non-governmental organisations (C), and integrating all these strategies (D). The observed correlations in the visualised data facilitate comprehension of the interrelationships among these elements and their potential contributions to the successful attainment of sustainability objectives.

Firstly, the examination of the relationship between (A) and (B) reveals a marginal link. This implies that organisations that prioritise the adoption of environmentally friendly technology may not consistently allocate resources towards providing concurrent training for their personnel in this domain. This may indicate that these activities are often executed independently or that their rate of execution fluctuates.

The relationship between (A) and (C) is more robust and very beneficial. This correlation demonstrates that multinational corporations that allocate resources to environmentally friendly technology tend to actively collaborate with other institutions and organisations to obtain further assistance and guarantee that their efforts are in line with national and global sustainability objectives.

The graph demonstrates a very significant link between (A) and (D). Consequently, organisations that prioritise the adoption of environmentally friendly technology often include additional elements of sustainability, such as providing training to their employees and collaborating with other educational institutions. This observed tendency indicates that a holistic approach to sustainability is often linked to the systematic execution of several initiatives.

The analysis of the link between (B) and (C) reveals a modest association. These findings suggest that the two tasks are not directly interconnected or that their execution is autonomous from one another. Alternatively, companies that prioritise employee training may not necessarily engage in close collaboration with other organisations.

There exists a significant association between (B) and (D). These findings indicate that organisations that allocate resources to staff training often do so as a component of a comprehensive sustainability plan, in conjunction with other initiatives.

Furthermore, there exists a strong association between (C) and (D). These findings indicate that enterprises that want to establish stronger collaborations with external organisations often adopt additional sustainability measures simultaneously, therefore guaranteeing a comprehensive approach to sustainability.

In brief, the relationships shown in the graph indicate that achieving complete sustainability in the transportation industry necessitates the adoption of an integrated strategy. Organisations that allocate resources to one facet of sustainability often include other strategic initiatives, as well. This underscores the interconnectedness of all these elements and the need to take action in a multifaceted manner to attain the objectives of long-term sustainability.

Figure 3 illustrates the interconnections among the four scenarios that depict the potential for the growth of the transport sector: a highly optimistic perspective, characterised by the sector’s quick adaptation to changes (A); an optimistic but labour-intensive and investment-intensive strategy (B); a neutral perspective that anticipates both growth and challenges (C); and a pessimistic perspective, characterised by significant difficulties (D).

Upon analysis of the (A) and (B) scenarios, a robust positive connection is observed. Consequently, although the industry may possess considerable potential for expansion and swift adjustment to changing circumstances, this process will nonetheless need substantial investment and effort. Therefore, to sustain a positive outlook, it is essential to make substantial investments in technology and the skills of the workforce.

Furthermore, a robust association is seen between attitudes (A) and (C). This correlation demonstrates that even within a rapidly expanding industry, there will always exist a certain equilibrium between expansion and obstacles. However, much progress has been made, the industry will unavoidably encounter obstacles in sustaining consistent development.

Thirdly, there is a substantial correlation between (A) and (D) views. Although the industry has the ability to promptly adjust, inadequate focus on issues or disregarding them might result in the sector encountering significant challenges. This underscores the need to complete a realistic evaluation of potential hazards, even when maintaining an optimistic viewpoint.

Fourth, a study of the association between (B) and (C) attitudes reveals a robust correlation, indicating that the endeavour for expansion will unavoidably encounter obstacles. Despite the promising progress in the industry, expansion will be accompanied by specific challenges that will require more determination and financial commitments.

Furthermore, there exists a certain link between the (B) and (D) perspectives, indicating that although the industry may possess a positive growth forecast, inadequate investment and planning can result in challenges that will ultimately lead to negative outcomes. This analysis demonstrates that even with excellent intentions, the industry may encounter significant challenges if not well-equipped.

Ultimately, the significant association between the (C) and (D) perspectives indicates that the industry, although undergoing expansion, could encounter substantial obstacles that might impede sustainable development. This connection emphasises the interconnectedness of progress and obstacles and warns that if the problems are not promptly and efficiently rectified, the negative scenario might materialise.

Figure 3 demonstrates robust correlations across all four scenarios, indicating that the progress of the transportation industry is intricately linked to many elements. While maintaining a very positive perspective, the industry will encounter obstacles, and insufficient readiness may lead to the failure to achieve optimistic expectations. This underscores the importance of thoroughly evaluating the issues in the industry and taking strategic measures to guarantee enduring and sustainable development.

Considering the acquired findings and the reciprocal influence of the examined variables, it is crucial to evaluate which priority in the series of activities should be adhered to in order to guarantee synergy.

The findings suggest that technological progress and environmental regulations are strongly interconnected. While advancements in technology offer solutions for reducing emissions, they also pose economic and workforce-related challenges. These results highlight the importance of integrating sustainability strategies with workforce training and economic planning to ensure long-term development.

4. Discussion

One of the biggest consumers of energy and producers of pollution is the transportation industry, hence its sustainable growth closely relates to the worldwide issues of climate change. Other international accords, such as the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, call for the transportation industry to switch to greener options. In this regard, it is imperative to examine how labour market dynamics, environmental rules, and technological developments impact the direction of transportation. The academic community, as well as the commercial sector, depend on this study, since it offers not only an intellectual critique but also useful suggestions for transportation officials.

Considering the many pressing concerns in the transport business, professionals assess the key criteria mentioned above to ascertain their significance and potential implementation in the Lithuanian transport sector.

The data in

Table 3. Analysis of the impact of the transport sector factors and an assessment of their importance.

Formula	A	B	C	D
$\overline{q}$	0.3600	0.3083	0.2017	0.1300
$d_j$	0.6400	0.6917	0.7983	0.8700
$Q_j$	0.2133	0.2306	0.2661	0.2900
${\overline{Q}}_j$	0.1400	0.1917	0.2983	0.3700
Factor Rate	4	3	2	1

enable us to examine the influence of the four primary elements on the transportation industry: technological advancements (e.g., development of electric vehicles, etc.) (A), environmental regulations and sustainability demands (B), economic and supply chain challenges (C), and shortfalls in workforce skills and competence (D).

The advent of electric automobiles, as an example of (A), has a modest but substantial impact. The initial equation generates a numerical value of 0.3600, which accurately represents the impact of this particular element. The mean value of $d_j$ is 0.6400, suggesting that technical advancement is significant, but not the only main determinant in the industry. While other indicators in the table exhibit minor variations, overall, technical advancements strongly contribute to the sector’s development and ability to adapt to new demands.

The criterion (B) has a somewhat lesser influence in comparison to other variables. The starting value of 0.3083 represents the mean impact of this variable. The mean value of $d_j$ is 0.6917, indicating that although environmental and sustainability demands may not be the most influential, they nevertheless have a substantial impact on the industry. Furthermore, other indications also indicate that this aspect has difficulties in its implementation, but its significance is on the rise, particularly due to the rising need for sustainability.

The criterion (C) has a substantial influence on the industry. Despite the lower beginning value of 0.2017, the mean value of $d_j$ is large at 0.7983, suggesting that these issues may have a substantial impact on the industry. The findings demonstrate that interruptions in the supply chain and economic difficulties may result in instability that has a detrimental effect on the efficiency of the supply and the general well-being of the industry.

The primary determinant significantly affecting the transport industry is criterion (D). The lowest beginning value of 0.1300 is coupled with the highest average value of $d_j$ at 0.8700, therefore highlighting the significant risk this deficit presents to the stability and development of the industry. The most recent data validate that this element generates significant volatility and has the potential to severely impact the sector’s operations if appropriate actions are not implemented to address the issue.

Summarily, the facts shown in the table indicate that technical advancements and environmental laws have a modest but favourable impact on the industry. Simultaneously, economic fluctuations and difficulties in the supply chain are exacerbating instability, while the sector’s primary obstacle is the lack of skilled personnel, which has the potential to significantly hinder its long-term growth and prosperity. To guarantee the long-term viability and effectiveness of the industry, it is essential to tackle these issues via a holistic approach.

The factor grade of 1 indicates that the workforce lacks the necessary credentials and competencies, which significantly contributes to the instability of the industry. These findings indicate that the industry relies heavily on highly trained personnel. Inadequate management of this factor may result in significant challenges for the overall sector. The second classification (Factor Rate = 2) was given to the economic and supply chain difficulties (C), owing to their significant influence on the industry, particularly the possibility of supply chain interruptions that may result in severe economic repercussions. The environmental constraints and sustainability requirements (B) were given the third rating (Factor Rate = 3) due to their substantial influence. However, the level of complexity in implementing and adapting the sector to these requirements is not as high as that of workforce or supply chain concerns. Technological change (A) obtained the lowest ranking (Factor Rate = 4) due to its significance, although perhaps being more readily controlled or incorporated into the industry compared to the other, more adverse variables impacting the sector. Concisely, the component Rate has been allocated according to the importance and influence of each component on the industry. The primary factor that significantly affects the industry is the insufficient skills of the workforce and economic challenges. These factors have the potential to disrupt the sector the most. On the other hand, technical advancements, although significant, have a lesser effect on the sector’s stability and, so, warrant a lower ranking.

Table 4. Analysis of the structural connections in the transport sector.

Formula	A	B	C	D
$\overline{q}$	0.2950	0.2650	0.3400	0.1000
$d_j$	0.7050	0.7350	0.6600	0.9000
$Q_j$	0.2350	0.2450	0.2200	0.3000
${\overline{Q}}_j$	0.2050	0.2350	0.1600	0.4000
Factor Rate	3	2	4	1

examines the influence of the four indicators—investments in environmentally friendly technologies (A), employee education on sustainability principles (B), collaboration with government institutions and non-governmental organisations (C), and the combination of all these elements (D)—on the sustainability of the transportation industry. The data below illustrates the extent to which these elements contribute to the sustainability of the industry and indicates their significance.

Investments in environmentally friendly technology (A) have a modest but substantial impact on the industry. While the initial value of 0.2950 indicates that these investments are not the most influential elements, the mean value of 0.7050 suggests that their impact is nonetheless substantial. This implies that, while the use of technology is crucial for the endeavour of sustainability, its influence is not entirely consistent and heavily relies on the interplay of other variables.

Employee education on sustainability principles (B) has the most significant influence on the industry. Despite the lowest beginning value of 0.2650, the highest mean value of 0.7350 suggests that staff training plays a crucial role in guaranteeing the successful execution of sustainability plans. Thus, it is evident that investing in the development of staff skills is crucial for attaining long-term sustainability objectives.

Collaboration with governmental institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is also a noteworthy aspect, but not the paramount one. The calculated starting value of 0.3400 and the mean value of 0.6600 suggest that this component has a modest impact. However, the magnitude of its influence is contingent upon other variables, including technology investments and personnel training. Thus, the constant and organised implementation of collaboration with external organisations may significantly enhance the sustainability of the industry.

The cohesive incorporation of all elements in (D), including investment in environmentally friendly technology, personnel training, and teamwork, has the most intricate but significant influence. While the initial value of 0.1000 is the lowest among all the components, the mean value of 0.9000 indicates that using an integrated strategy requires meticulous preparation and coordination in order to obtain optimal outcomes. Therefore, it is essential to integrate all elements in order to ensure the long-term viability of the industry, despite its intrinsic complexity.

In brief, the table indicates that the primary factor affecting the sustainability of the transport industry is the education of personnel in sustainability concepts, which guarantees the successful execution of sustainability measures. Collaboration with governmental institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and investments in environmentally friendly technology are crucial, but their effectiveness relies on a comprehensive strategy. The incorporation of all these elements, however intricate, is essential to attain optimal influence on the sustainability of the industry.

Employee training on sustainability principles (B)—Factor Rate = 2. This factor was given the second highest grade due to its significant influence on sustainability objectives, making it of utmost importance for the whole industry. The significance of employee training lies in its direct impact on the execution of sustainability initiatives and the tangible application of sustainability concepts. This component is thus given the greatest emphasis.

The element attributable to investment in greener technology (A) was rated third due to its comparatively lesser influence on the sustainability of the industry, when compared to training or collaboration. This phenomenon may be attributed to the fact that the efficacy of technical innovation is maximised when it is coupled with a proficient workforce and efficient institutional cooperation. In the absence of these supplementary elements, technology may fail to achieve its maximum capabilities.

The fourth Factor Rate, denoted as (C), was attributed to cooperation with governmental institutions and NGOs. This is because, although close collaboration with external organisations is very significant, it is somewhat less crucial than the direct training of personnel. Collaboration with governmental institutions and non-governmental organisations enhances the sector’s capacity to conform to sustainability standards and obtain supplementary assistance, although it is most efficient when integrated with other elements.

Integration of all elements (D)—Factor Rate = 1. This integrated method necessitates the highest level of coordination and operational effort. The process of integration is quite intricate, as it necessitates the synchronisation of all sustainability objectives. Due to its intricate nature, integration obtained the highest Factor Rate (1). Therefore, it can be said that a well-integrated strategy may amplify the influence of all other variables.

Concisely, the arrangement of the Factor Rate in the table indicates the significance and impact of the variables on the long-term viability of the transportation industry. Employee training is considered among the most crucial due to its immediate influence. Collaboration with external organisations is highly significant but somewhat less important than training. Technological investment is important, but it provides the greatest effectiveness when combined with other factors. The integration of all factors is the most intricate process that requires the most management and coordination efforts.

Table 5. Impact analysis of transport sector development scenarios.

Formula	A	B	C	D
$\overline{q}$	0.1417	0.1583	0.3617	0.3383
$d_j$	0.8583	0.8417	0.6383	0.6617
$Q_j$	0.2861	0.2806	0.2128	0.2206
${\overline{Q}}_j$	0.3583	0.3417	0.1383	0.1617
Factor Rate	1	2	4	3

displays data that define the four scenarios for the development of the transport sector: very optimistic, characterised by rapid adaptation to changes (A); optimistic, necessitating significant effort and investment (B); neutral, encompassing both growth and challenges (C); and pessimistic, indicating major difficulties (D). The Factor Rate numbers reflect the relative significance of each scenario and its respective possible effects on the industry.

The scenario classified as extremely optimistic (A) has a high effect. The starting measurement of 0.1417 and the mean value of 0.8583 suggest that the industry, although quickly adjusting to changes, has certain constraints and its performance relies on the capacity to exploit emerging prospects. While indeed favourable, this situation is not the most robust, since it needs more stability and strategic long-term planning.

The sanguine scenario (B), requiring substantial effort and expenditure, has a somewhat greater influence on the industry. The initial parameter of 0.1583 and the mean value of 0.8417 suggest that this situation, whilst requiring more resources and coordination, has the potential to provide significant long-term advantages. This implies that the industry has the potential to expand, but only with substantial investment and efficient administration.

The neutral scenario (C), characterised by both growth and problems in the industry, has a moderate effect, with some degree of variability. With a beginning value of 0.3617 and an average value of 0.6383, the industry is expected to encounter a blend of growth and problems that may provide both barriers and prospects. It will be the sector’s capacity to surmount these obstacles and sustain its development pace that will determine the durability of this situation.

Factor (D), characterised by a gloomy outlook, is indicated by the lowest beginning value of 0.1000 and the highest average value of 0.9000. These findings suggest that this situation is very probable, given unfavourable circumstances, and has the potential to greatly disrupt the industry. To prevent the most severe repercussions, this situation demands significant efforts and the implementation of effective measures.

In brief, the data indicate that the pessimistic scenario (D) poses the most risk to the industry, so it was allocated the Factor Rate (3). These findings indicate that the industry is very susceptible to unfavourable circumstances. The optimistic scenario, characterised by significant effort and investment (B), likewise has a substantial value (Factor Rate = 2), but it carries a lower level of risk compared to the pessimistic scenario. Scenarios (A) and (C), characterised by strong optimism and neutrality, respectively, have a reduced effect (Factor Rate = 1 and 4) due to their simpler implementation or more reliance on the sector’s capacity to adjust to new problems.

The pessimistic scenario (D), with a Factor Rate of 4, obtained the lowest grade due to the sector’s anticipated confrontation with the most significant problems and difficulties. The identified values suggest that this scenario is very destabilising, as the associated issues have the ability to greatly impact the performance of the sector. Consequently, it was deemed the most crucial in terms of possible adverse consequences. The very optimistic scenario requiring significant effort and expenditure (B)—Factor Rate = 2. This scenario was ranked second (Factor Rate = 2) due to its high-investment and labour-intensive nature. This implies that the outcome of this situation relies on the allocation of resources towards the advancement of the industry. However, it is deemed very significant due to the possible benefits. The highly optimistic scenario (A) has a Factor Rate of 1. The very optimistic scenario was ranked third, with a Factor Rate of 3, due to its potential for fast development, coupled with several constraining variables that may hinder it from reaching optimal outcomes. Although this situation is crucial, it is somewhat less relevant compared to the more demanding case. Neutral Scenario (C) received Factor Rate = 4 due to its moderate exposure to both growth and problems, which is less severe than the other scenarios. It embodies a well-balanced strategy where a combination of expansion and difficulties is probable, but neither is the prevailing factor.

To summarise, the Factor Rate has been analysed based on the specific effects of each scenario on the relevant industry. Despite its positive nature, the extremely optimistic scenario (A) was placed first due to its inherent constraints. The very promising scenario (B), which demands significant effort and expenditure, was placed second due to its vast potential, however, it is accompanied by substantial expenses. The third place was given to the pessimistic scenario (D) due to its most significant adverse consequences. Based on its balanced but less harsh impacts, the neutral scenario (C) obtained the lowest grade.

In summary, we can say that one of the most important findings in our study is the strong interaction between technological innovation and environmental policy. The results show a clear positive relationship between the progress of transport technologies and the tightening of environmental requirements. In other words, new transport technologies not only reduce emissions but are also encouraged by the increasingly stringent regulatory environment. This interrelationship was previously intuitively assumed, but in our study, it was empirically measured for the first time. This suggests that technological development and regulatory policy must be integrated to achieve sustainability in the transport sector.

In addition, this study reveals that labour market factors have a decisive impact on supply chain stability and the implementation of technological innovation. The analysis shows that supply chain disruptions and economic challenges significantly hinder the implementation of new technologies, and the shortage of qualified specialists exacerbates these problems. Previous studies have examined individual aspects of the labour market (e.g., insufficient driver training), but our study is the first to quantitatively demonstrate that labour force skills shortages directly exacerbate supply chain problems and economic challenges. This means that in order to achieve sustainability in the transport sector, it is necessary not only to invest in technology but also to ensure employee training and upskilling. In summary, the novelty and original contributions of this study lie in its holistic approach, unique methodological combination, and the presentation of new empirically based insights. This study not only identifies the main factors of sustainability in the transport sector but also reveals their interactions, which have not been systematically examined before. These insights not only expand scientific knowledge but also provide practical recommendations for policymakers and industry representatives seeking sustainable development in the transport sector.

5. Conclusions

The relationship between technical progress and environmental criteria is such that as technology advancements increase, particularly in the realm of electric cars, the need for more stringent environmental parameters also intensifies. The statistical data provided indicate a favourable association between these two variables, since technology often has a dual function—it not only addresses current environmental needs but also facilitates their improvement. This is especially important for an industry aiming at long-term viability, since technical innovation may assist in developing new regulatory policies that enhance environmental protection.

Technological progress, although beneficial, may give rise to fresh economic obstacles and introduce complexities in supply chains, as firms need to adjust to new demands and provide resources to the necessary infrastructure. This research demonstrates a robust positive association between technical advancements and economic pressures, as well as the complexity of supply chains. Consequently, firms are compelled to confront the expenses and logistical obstacles associated with constructing and overseeing new infrastructure to fully exploit the possibilities presented by technology.

The rapid advancement of technology increases the demand for a highly trained workforce. However, the availability of skilled professionals is often limited. As a result, the transport sector struggles to quickly and effectively implement new technological solutions. The statistics indicate a significant need for labour attributable to technical advancements. However, the current scarcity of labour could lead to severe consequences. The aforementioned deficiency underscores the need to allocate resources not just towards technology, but also towards the education and enhancement of personnel, in order to use the possibilities of technological advancement within the industry.

Implementing more stringent environmental regulations may pose substantial economic obstacles and disturb supply networks, particularly when firms must promptly adjust to changing regulatory circumstances. Empirical evidence indicates a direct relationship between environmental regulations and economic and supply chain difficulties. Consequently, more stringent environmental standards, although essential, might result in substantial expenses for firms that need to promptly adjust to new rules that may interrupt their activities.

The successful execution of environmental regulations is heavily contingent upon the presence of a proficient workforce, which is often inadequate. Evidence indicates that the enforcement of stringent environmental regulations necessitates a proficient labour force, the absence of which might impede the enforcement of these regulations. This absence might not only impede the progress of implementing environmental regulations, but also result in extra expenses for firms that need to adjust to new mandatory standards.

Insufficient qualified workforce is closely linked to economic and supply chain challenges, which may further impede the performance of the industry. The graph demonstrates a robust positive link between these variables, suggesting that a scarcity of workers might result in inefficiencies in the supply chain and exacerbate economic difficulties. This underscores the need to resolve the scarcity of workers in order to guarantee the stability and effectiveness of the industry.

There exist robust interconnections among all examined elements, indicating that modifications in one domain frequently result in immediate effects on other domains. Therefore, it is crucial to assess all elements comprehensively to prevent adverse outcomes and guarantee the sustainable growth of the transportation industry. These links highlight the need to adopt a thorough and methodical strategy to successfully address different difficulties and capitalise on new possibilities in the growth of the transport industry.

Limitations of this study can be attributed to the relatively small sample size of experts, focus on specific regions, segments of the transport sector, correlational analyses, etc. Therefore, directions for further research should be focused on increasing the number of variable factors in the transport sector and evaluating their mutual interactions, conducting this type of research in different regions to compare the results obtained and draw conclusions based on them, predicting strategic decisions, and examining regional differences in transport sustainability and the role of workforce skills in technology adoption.