ERTICO-ITS Europe published a memorandum that spotlights the transformative potential of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in addressing the most pressing mobility challenges, from congestion and emissions to automation and digitalisation while outlining a strategic vision and priorities for advancing ITS across Europe. This document signals both a roadmap and a call to action to industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders across sectors to accelerate the shift towards cleaner, safer, and more resilient and efficient mobility through innovation, collaboration, policy alignment and strategic deployment.
From early electronic tolling systems and GPS technology to today’s AI-driven, connected, and automated mobility services, ITS has been evolving rapidly over the years. Cutting-edge technologies such as sensors, AI, 5G connectivity, and digital twins are being integrated to optimise traffic flow, improve safety, and reduce environmental impacts. ERTICO’s position is that a collaborative model is indispensable for benefitting from the full impact of ITS that extends beyond technology to include social, environmental and business factors.
Central to the document is a call for cross-sector and cross-border collaboration
The memo stresses that no single organisation or sector can drive the shift to intelligent mobility alone. Instead, progress hinges on a well-orchestrated ecosystem involving public authorities, technology providers, researchers, vehicle manufacturers, and service operators.
The memo highlights ERTICO’s own role for over 30 years in uniting stakeholders across eight critical sectors of the mobility ecosystem, delivering deployable results in EU-funded projects, launching strategic innovative platforms, and hosting European and World congresses.
Beyond Europe, the document acknowledges the need for global cooperation for ITS deployment. ERTICO’s cooperation with international partners, including ITS America, ITS Asia-Pacific, and national ITS organisations, reinforces the importance of harmonised standards and shared learning in building globally compatible systems.
Equally important is the role of cities and regions. ERTICO Academy and the City Moonshot initiative, which aims to gather mobility insights from over 300 municipalities worldwide, emphasise the value of sharing knowledge and best practices to bolster local leadership in testing and deploying ITS solutions that match real-world needs.
The role of supportive policy is essential for innovation and technical advancement
The ERTICO memorandum considers the potential impact of ITS within the context of the European priorities, such as the European Green Deal and digitalisation strategies. Scaling up digital transport corridors, strengthening cybersecurity for ITS, and incentivising open data sharing to foster innovation are crucial contributors to achieving the EU's strategic priorities. The memo underlines the importance of investment and proper budget allocation through instruments such as the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) with a dedicated and ringfenced budget portfolio.
While ERTICO’s experience and partnerships are deeply embedded in the memo, the broader message is clear: intelligent transport is a collective endeavour. The future of sustainable and inclusive mobility in Europe depends not only on technological breakthroughs, but on open collaboration, policy foresight, and the will to translate ideas into scalable action.
“At this time of rapid technological shifts and pressing environmental and geo-political challenges, ITS has an ever more important part to play for safe and sustainable transport and mobility in our society. ERTICO’s role is to connect, innovate and implement,” says ERTICO CEO Joost Vantomme.