The organisers of the 2027 ITS World Congress at Birmingham’s NEC have announced the four main topics for the the event, which takes place from 25-29 October 2027.
ERTICO – ITS Europe says the topics reflect priorities, opportunities and challenges currently shaping intelligent transport systems and the wider mobility sector.
The four topics are Trustworthy and Resilient Systems, Next-Generation ITS, Connected and Integrated Services, and Deploying ITS at scale. Together, they provide a framework for a range of subtopics that address the key issues facing transport systems today, from safety, cybersecurity and resilience to artificial intelligence, connected mobility, multimodal services, sustainable deployment and user-centred design.
“The announcement of the topics and subtopics is an exciting milestone for the ITS World Congress in Birmingham 2027,” said Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO. “Carefully shaped together with our International Programme Committee and co-organisers, they reflect the emerging priorities, opportunities and challenges that define the future of intelligent transport and provide a strong foundation for the Technical Programme. They also strongly resonate with the work ERTICO advances alongside our Partnership and the wider mobility ecosystem.”
The four Congress topics are:
- Trustworthy and resilient systems
This topic will examine how transport systems can become safer, more secure, and better equipped to withstand disruptions, from cyber threats and climate impacts to emergencies affecting infrastructure, services, and supply chains. It will also explore trusted data, digital infrastructure, data sharing, and interoperability. - Next-generation ITS
This topic will explore the technologies and approaches driving the next generation of intelligent transport, including responsible and applied AI, robotics, quantum technologies, intelligent and connected vehicles, digital twins and new forms of human-machine interaction. - Connected and integrated services
This topic focuses on how transport modes, services, infrastructure, and energy systems can work together more effectively to deliver connected and integrated mobility for passengers and freight, while improving customer experience and mobility network management. - Deploying ITS at scale
This topic addresses the practical challenges of moving intelligent transport solutions from individual projects and pilots into scalable, sustainable, and accessible deployments, while considering infrastructure, operations, stakeholder cooperation, user needs, and the wider policy and regulatory environment.
The topics will provide the framework for the Technical Programme, with the Call for Contributions opening in October 2026. Researchers, local authorities, consultants, technology companies, transport operators and other members of the global ITS community will be invited to contribute their research, experience and insights to the programme.
Mike Waters, Chief Technology and Insight Officer at Transport for West Midlands, is overseeing the host’s preparations for the Congress and highlighted the pace and breadth of change taking place across transport.
“The pace of change in transport technology has never been greater,” said Waters. “Solutions that were once considered cutting-edge are now becoming routine, while expectations continue to grow. Users increasingly expect technologies to work seamlessly together rather than solving individual problems, and new developments such as artificial intelligence, urban air mobility and future communications technologies continue to redefine what’s possible.”
The Congress will provide an opportunity to explore this changing landscape across different stages of innovation, from technologies already delivering reliable results to emerging solutions and research that shape future transport systems. It will also consider how innovation can respond to changing public expectations, regulation, environmental pressures and the practical realities of deployment.
The Technical Programme will form part of a wider Congress experience that includes a major international exhibition, live demonstrations and hands-on experiences, alongside networking opportunities bringing together experts and organisations from across the global mobility ecosystem.
The ITS World Congress 2027 will take place at the NEC Birmingham from 25 to 29 October 2027, bringing together around 15 000 transport professionals from more than 100 countries to exchange knowledge, showcase solutions and explore how intelligent transport can be deployed to address real-world mobility challenges.
(Picture – ERTICO)
