In a moment of rapid global transformation, the ITS World Congress 2027 sets out a clear ambition: to translate innovation into real-world impact. Developed by ERTICO – ITS Europe and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and strengthened by the international perspectives of the International Programme Committee (IPC), the four proposed themes address the most pressing mobility challenges.
1. Humanising safe and smart multimodal mobility
Future mobility must work for everyone. This theme focuses on ensuring that innovation delivers meaningful benefits for people and communities. Discussions will address inclusive and accessible mobility solutions, user needs and preferences, trust, safety, data ethics and human-centred design. The goal is to enable transport systems that are not only technologically advanced but also socially equitable and intuitive to use.
2. Enabling a sustainable, resilient planet
As cities and regions work to meet climate commitments, intelligent transport stands as a powerful enabler. Delegates will explore how ITS can accelerate climate action and environmental stewardship. Topics include decarbonisation, clean energy integration, sustainable logistics, circular economy models, data-driven traffic management and system optimisation. Emphasis will be placed on balancing operational efficiency with long-term environmental resilience.
3. Breakthrough technology shaping the next era of mobility
As breakthrough technologies are reshaping mobility at unprecedented speed, this theme brings forward the transformative potential of advanced ITS technologies. It includes application and integration of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, simulation and modelling, advanced connectivity, and autonomous and multimodal transport systems. It also highlights next-generation solutions across other modes such as road, rail, air and maritime as they evolve towards a seamlessly connected mobility ecosystem.
4. Business strategies that drive innovation and prosperity
Innovation reaches its potential when paired with viable pathways to scale. Acknowledging the importance of commercial pathways, this theme considers sustainable business models, investment strategies, market dynamics, value creation from data, and new service delivery approaches. It aims to support organisations in scaling solutions that benefit economies, industries and citizens alike.
Rita Bhandari, Senior Manager, Programme & Knowledge Integration at ERTICO, explains, “The International Programme Committee has shaped themes that reflect the issues highest on the global mobility agenda. Their expertise ensures a Programme built around priority areas where innovation can translate into real deployment and deliver measurable benefits for society.”
A Landmark Edition for the United Kingdom
Returning to the UK for the first time since 2006, the 33rd ITS World Congress will take place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham from 25-29 October 2027. Over 15,000 global participants are expected to join the event, bringing together public authorities, industry leaders, researchers and academia committed to shaping the next era of safer and more sustainable mobility.
“We’re keen to discuss and showcase the value of ITS in everyone’s day-to-day lives and not just have a talking shop of nice ideas,” explained Chris Lane of Transport for West Midlands, who is overseeing the region’s preparations for the event. “I’m confident that these four thematic areas deliver that and will give real value to everyone coming to Birmingham for the Congress, so transport authorities will find solutions to save money, improve safety or boost efficiency, while the supply chain will learn new opportunities to boost their bottom lines.”
The Congress brochure detailing commercial opportunities is now available. The International Programme Committee, which brings together experts from Europe, ITS America and ITS Asia-Pacific, is finalising preparations ahead of the call for contributions, opening in October 2025.