The leaders of ERTICO – ITS Europe and the West Midlands team organising and hosting the 2027 Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress have emphasised to Europe’s network of national ITS Associations that their valuable cooperation and active participation is crucial for the event.

Around 15,000 participants from across the globe are expected at the Congress at Birmingham’s’ NEC, with five days of technical and special interest sessions, hands-on demonstrations, technical visits, and robust networking opportunities under the theme “Connect Ideas. Transform Transport.”

Sending a message to the ITS Nationals network Plenary meeting in Warsaw today (Wednesday 8 October 2025), Chris Lane, Strategic Head of Transport Innovation at TfWM and leading the West Midlands’ planning for the Congress, highlighted the co-operative nature of the plans for 2027.

“This is the first time the UK has hosted the ITS World Congress since London in 2006,” said Mr Lane, who is West Midlands’ Strategic Head of Transport Innovation.  “The ITS Nationals network have told us they want a Congress not just in the West Midlands but showcasing the innovations of the West Midlands – showing the solutions being delivered in and around Birmingham as the UK’s first Future Transport Zone.”

“And,” Mr Lane concluded, “we’ll be showing off the best of the West Midlands too, from soccer and Shakespeare to Cadbury’s and curry.  We really want to hear more about what you’d like to experience in Birmingham – the deep expertise of the Nationals network is vital in delivering a successful and valuable Congress.”

New avenues to strengthen the cooperation with ITS Nationals associations are ahead, in particular regards to the forthcoming Congresses.  CEO of ERTICO, Joost Vantomme passed his message: “The ITS Nationals network represents the heartbeat of Europe’s transport innovation ecosystem. Their collaboration and insight are essential as we shape a Congress that reflects the strength and diversity of our community. Together we are building not just an event, but a platform to connect ideas and transform transport for the next generation.”

Participants will be showing the real mobility innovations in Birmingham, showing how ITS has gone from a concept back in the early 2000s to delivery now with a series of demonstrations and technical visits, as well as the Congress’s renowned conference programme and exhibition.

“All members of the ITS Nationals network are big supporters of the ITS World Congress and are excited to be involved in the planning for Birmingham 2027,” added Network Chair Dónal Hodgins, “Our collaboration with ERTICO can only deliver good things for the sector as we use the Congress to boost the awareness and deployment opportunities of transport technology”.

The ITS Nationals network brings together 27 associations to develop and share best practice in running ITS National Associations, connecting the fee-paying members of ITS National Associations to each other, and supporting members to attend National, European and Global ITS Congresses, and to support ERTICO and other bodies with the delivery of them.  Between them they have 1,200 public and private members, made up of roads authorities, academia and major suppliers and consultants, to micro SMEs and start-ups.

With the event now just two years away, the organisers are ramping up their engagement with industry by holding an open during the major Highways UK event in Birmingham on Wednesday 15 October to give details of partnership and exhibition opportunities at the World Congress. The invitation-only Open Day takes place at the Crowne Plaza on the NEC Campus and also includes a tour of the NEC and halls set out for a major transport show.

The 33rd ITS World Congress takes place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham from 25 to 29 October 2027.

(Picture – TfWM)