As the 29th ITS World Congress got underway today in Suzhou, China, ERTICO chairman Dr Angelos Amditis revealed that Birmingham is the ‘preferred candidate’ to host the event in 2027, in what will be the 33rd edition of the international intelligent transportation event.
He also announced that Istanbul, Turkey, is now most likely to host the 2026 ITS European Congress, the other key event which ERTICO-ITS Europe is instrumental in organizing.
The ERTICO Supervisory Board has selected the two cities as the ‘preferred candidates’ based on the recommendation of the Review Committee, which evaluate all submissions. Negotiations will now start to sign the agreements with both cities as soon as possible.
Birmingham and the United Kingdom at large is advancing Intelligent Transport Systems and Services (ITS), as the sector is growing. As preferred host city, Birmingham is emphasising ‘real- world experiences’ and delivering practical take aways, which will be key for the Congress in 2027.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, says: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the West Midlands to take to the global stage once again and demonstrate our commitment to innovation and sustainability on transport.
“We look forward to showcasing our region’s achievements – our ground-breaking Regional Transport Coordination Centre, our development of 5G connected and autonomous vehicle technology and the emerging Very Light Rail systems. Innovation and smart transport are a crucial part of our plans to decarbonise our transport and meet the climate change challenge.
“We will welcome industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers from around the world here to share their expertise and cement our place as a hub for transport innovation.”
Max Sugarman, chief executive of Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), says: “The UK is one of the leading global centres for transport technology, so it is brilliant news that we will have the chance to showcase the sector to the world, with Birmingham as the preferred candidate for the 2027 ITS World Congress.
“Whether it’s in connected and autonomous vehicles, the latest smart ticketing systems or the use of AI and data, our intelligent transport industry is brimming with innovation, with British companies supporting greener, safer and more integrated transport not only in the UK, but across the globe.
“We look forward to working with our partners in the Department for Transport and West Midlands Combined Authority in telling the many great British success stories across our transport technology sector.”
Istanbul as preferred host city for the 2026 ITS European Congress holds great opportunities for the broader EMEA region to meet. The city’s vision is focusing on effective and inclusive mobility to drive forward a sustainable and resilient future.
The ITS World Congress represents the ultimate platform through which ERTICO fosters cooperation with the two regions of America and Asia-Pacific, allowing the broader international community to meet, discuss, and exchange knowledge through a comprehensive technical and high-level conference program, live demonstrations and vibrant exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovations in smart mobility.
ERTICO organises the European Congresses for two executive years, with over 3,000 attendees representing 50 countries from Europe and beyond, and every third year, a World Congress welcoming more than 12,000 attendees from over 100 countries worldwide. Visit ertico.com for more information and access erticonetwork.com for more news and future announcements.
The 30th ITS World Congress will take place in Dubai, from 16 – 20 September 2024, itsworldcongress.com.
The 31st edition will be held in Atlanta, Georgia in 2025; and the following year Gangneung in South Korea will be the host.
