The 2026 ITS World Congress in Gangneung, Republic of Korea, came to a close at the end of last month, marking the beginning of the countdown to Birmingham, UK, which will host the next edition from 25 to 29 October 2027. With the ceremonial handover of the ITS World Congress globe, the international intelligent transport community has turned its attention to the next gathering, building on the discussions, connections and innovations shared in Gangneung.
Held from 19 - 23 October 2026, the ITS World Congress brought together experts, policymakers, industry representatives and researchers from across the world to exchange knowledge and explore how intelligent transport systems can support safer, smarter and more sustainable mobility.
Bringing the international ITS community together
Throughout the week, ERTICO's team of experts contributed to the Congress programme through a myriad of technical sessions alongside its presence at the UK & ERTICO - ITS European Pavilion, co-hosted with Transport for West Midlands, West Midlands Combined Authority, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and the Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG). The Pavilion provided a networking hub for showcasing European and UK innovations, comprising of ten co-exhibiting organisations.
From connected infrastructure and traffic management to digital planning and automated transport, co-exhibitors' presentations and live demonstrations, including AUMOVIO's humanoid robot, brought visitors closer to the latest developments and encouraged conversations about their practical applications.
The Pavilion also hosted networking opportunities throughout the week. The UK Drinks Reception welcomed innovators, government representatives and international partners, including the Mayor of Gangneung, Kim Jung-nam. The occasion highlighted the value of international exchange and the importance of building lasting connections across the ITS community.
Exploring the challenges and opportunities ahead
Beyond the exhibition floor, ERTICO colleagues actively contributed to discussions on some of the most pressing topics shaping intelligent mobility.
CEO Joost Vantomme participated in sessions addressing connected infrastructure, data-driven mobility and the transition from pilot initiatives to large-scale deployment. Dr Nikos Tsampieris explored the role of artificial intelligence in connected and automated mobility, while Peter Schmitting and Dr Stephane Dreher contributed to discussions on geospatial standards, interoperability and trust in automated transport. ERTICO Chairman Dr Angelos Amditis also joined conversations on women's safety across mobility networks.
A highlight of the week was the panel discussion 'Maximising the Potential of ITS in a Connected World', hosted at the joint Pavilion. Moderated by Paul Hutton of Highways News, the discussion brought together representatives from the UK Department for Transport, ERTICO, LCRIG, Intelligent Transport Systems UK and Zenzic.
The panellists examined how data sharing, connected mobility and automated transport can translate into practical benefits for transport users and communities. They also addressed the importance of appropriate regulatory frameworks, public trust and the skills and resources needed to support local authorities in adopting new technologies.
The Congress also celebrated outstanding achievements through the 2026 EMEA ITS Hall of Fame Awards. Among this year's recipients was ERTICO Partner Monotch, recognised with the Industry Award for its contribution to connected mobility and interoperable data exchange. The City of Leuven received the Local Government Award, while Professor Phil Blythe was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
From Gangneung to Birmingham: the next chapter begins
One of the defining moments of the week was the Three Regions Reception, bringing together representatives of the international ITS community to celebrate cooperation across Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific, as well as ERTICO's 35th anniversary.
During the reception, ERTICO announced the opening of the Call for Contributions for the 33rd ITS World Congress, inviting researchers, policymakers, industry experts and transport professionals to help shape the 2027 Technical Programme.
With four main themes, Trustworthy and Resilient Systems, Next-generation ITS, Connected and Integrated Services and Deploying ITS at Scale, Birmingham will provide an international platform to share research, discuss emerging challenges and showcase solutions ready for wider deployment. The Call for Demonstrations will also offer organisations the opportunity to bring their technologies and practical applications to life.
The closing ceremony in Gangneung marked the official handover of the ITS World Congress globe to Birmingham, symbolising the transition between host cities and the continued commitment of the global ITS community to advancing intelligent mobility.
See you in Birmingham in 2027!
From 25 - 29 October 2027, Birmingham will welcome the international ITS community for five days of knowledge exchange, networking, technical discussions and demonstrations. Hosted by the UK Government, represented by the UK Department for Transport with support of LCRIG, and the local host, Transport for West Midlands under West Midlands Combined Authority, the Congress will offer new opportunities to connect expertise, explore innovative solutions and accelerate deployment.
ERTICO warmly thanks all its colleagues, Partners, co-exhibitors, collaborators and everyone who contributed to making the Congress in Gangneung a memorable experience. In particular, we extend our appreciation to the teams behind the UK & ERTICO - ITS European Pavilion for their dedication and contribution throughout the week.
The globe has now passed to Birmingham. The countdown to 2027 has begun, and the global ITS community is invited to be part of the next chapter.
Shape the Technical Programme: The Call for Contributions welcomes Special Interest Sessions, Technical Papers, Research Papers and Posters across the four Congress themes. Submit your contribution by 22 January 2027.
Explore the Call for Contributions
Showcase your innovation
Submit your proposal by 22 January 2027.
Explore the Call for Demonstrations
Join us in Birmingham and help turn intelligent mobility innovation into real-world impact.
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