Archives January 2025

ERTICO launches second Market Radar Report

The European organisation ERTICO-ITS Europe has released the second edition of the ‘ITS Market Radar Report 2025’, created in cooperation with EY.

It provides an in-depth analysis of advancements in Intelligent Transport Systems and their impact on organisations that are ERTICO Partners in the following three ERTICO sectors: Public Authorities, Research and Users. Exploring trends, challenges, and opportunities, the report highlights how ITS can cultivate sustainable, innovative mobility solutions across Europe. This release is the continuation of the ITS Radar Reports series which ERTICO started last year on its two sectors: Traffic and Transport Industry and Service Providers.

The Radar Report provides an overview of the ITS sector, including its historical context and evolutions. It also describes key trends and innovations that are reshaping transport through a qualitative and quantitative analysis.

To begin with, the report highlights significant opportunities for both public authorities and the research sector in leveraging Intelligent Transport Systems. For public authorities, adopting ITS presents the chance to enhance sustainability, safety, and efficiency within transport networks, aligning with broader goals such as climate neutrality and the European Green Deal. They can use ITS to improve infrastructure, reduce congestion, and implement innovative mobility solutions like Mobility-as-a-Service and automated transport. For the research sector, ITS offers fertile ground for exploring technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and 5G/6G connectivity. Both sectors stand to benefit from cross-sector collaborations and EU funding opportunities. This can accelerate the development and deployment of ITS technologies and encourage smarter, more inclusive mobility systems across Europe.

However, it says that while progress is evident in these two sectors, certain challenges still need to be addressed. Public authorities face financial constraints, regulatory hurdles, and a lack of public awareness, impeding the deployment of ITS solutions. Similarly, the research sector struggles with funding limitations, data accessibility, and standardisation issues. Overcoming these barriers will require strong cross-sector collaboration to support widespread adoption and innovation.

According to the results of the market study, ITS also promises clear benefits to a broad range of users, including drivers, passengers, public transport operators, and logistics providers. Yet, adoption remains hindered by a lack of awareness and resistance, particularly among older populations. The report suggests strategies such as targeted awareness campaigns, co-creation with users, and pilot projects to enhance user engagement and acceptance.

Employment prospects within the ITS domain are expected to grow moderately, with both public authorities and research organisations forecasting increased involvement in ITS-related activities. This growth highlights the need for skills development in areas like AI, connectivity, and ITS deployment. Training programs and educational initiatives are critical for preparing a workforce capable of addressing emerging ITS challenges.

On the financial front, EU funding programs like Horizon Europe and the Connecting Europe Facility play an important role in advancing ITS projects. Despite this, many stakeholders face difficulties in securing adequate budget allocations. This highlights the need for more strategic investment to realise the full potential of ITS.

To address these challenges, the report recommends cultivating public-private partnerships and aligning legislative frameworks to support ITS adoption. Additionally, it calls for enhanced public awareness campaigns to promote inclusivity and ensure widespread acceptance of ITS technologies. Consistent investment in infrastructure and digital solutions is also essential for long-term success.

As ERTICO continues the ITS Radar Reports series, it says it remains steadfast in its ambition to drive progress in sustainable and intelligent mobility solutions. Through the work across eight diverse sectors (Traffic and Transport, Service Providers, Suppliers, Connectivity, Vehicle Manufacturers, Users, Public authorities and Research), it adds it is committed to advancing the future of transport and mobility, aligned with the European and global goals.

Read the full report here.

(Picture – ERTICO)

ITS World Congress 2027 focuses on Connecting Ideas and Transforming Transport

The organisers of the 33rd ITS World Congress at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre in October 2027 have announced the theme for the event:

Connect Ideas. Transform Transport.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), the Department for Transport, Department of Business and Trade, ITS UK and Visit Britain, are collaborating with the organiser, ERTICO – ITS Europe to bring transport technology to life during five days from 25 to 29 October.

“Intelligent Transport has come a long way since the UK last hosted a World Congress, under the banner of ‘Delivering Transport Excellence’,” commented TfWM’s Head of Transport Innovation Chris Lane, who is leading the planning for the host region.  “The Congress will enable experts from around the world to work together to solve global challenges, sharing their experience and details of successful implementations, as well as their cutting-edge innovations.  Therefore, we will connect all the ideas that are making mobility safer, greener and more efficient across the globe – so we can work together to transform transport.”

The host region has brought together suppliers, consultants and government, along with media, business and exhibition professionals to plan the event, both from a technical and user experience perspective.  They are working with ERTICO to deliver the event, which is expected to attract more than 15,000 people to the West Midlands.

“Bringing the ITS World Congress to Birmingham is a unique opportunity to connect public and private stakeholders across the global transport and mobility eco-system,” added Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO – ITS Europe. “This does not only reflect our mission at ERTICO but also the collective ambition of fostering collaboration that drives transformative advancements in mobility.  As organiser for the EMEA ITS World Congress, ERTICO is pleased to collaborate with the UK in hosting the next edition in Birmingham. Together, we will bring transformative technologies to life.”

“We are looking forward to engaging with the international community to really explain how great our event is going to be,” Mr Lane concluded.  “With the Transport Technology Forum, we’ll be taking a lead role at the ITS European Congress in Seville in May and August’s ITS World Congress in Atlanta.  Here, we’re looking forward to engaging with potential sponsors and exhibitors, while our Technical Working Group is busy ensure the country’s strengths in ITS, and its cutting-edge technologies, are highlighted.”

TfWM is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) which, through initiatives like the Future Transport Zone, is a global leader in the field and at the cutting-edge in key areas of research and development such as autonomous vehicle development, battery technology, the emerging very light rail system and smart ticketing. 

The congress will be a prestigious opportunity for public-sector bodies, businesses, and academics to showcase how cutting-edge innovations are driving progress towards tackling the climate emergency, making transport safer and improving traveller experience. TfWM is currently building the network of interested sponsors, supporters, and exhibitors.  Organisations and individuals can register their interest here.

The ITS World Congress is an annual event held in rotation between three global regions – the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

(Picture – WMCA)