The organisers of the ITS World Congress 2027 have reinforced that the event will focus on improving people’s lives through transport technology, as preparations continue for the global gathering in Birmingham next October.
In the latest edition of ERTICO – ITS Europe’s One Global Journey newsletter, the Congress team says the event’s vision goes beyond showcasing the latest intelligent transport systems, instead placing people and communities at the centre of innovation.
The newsletter says that while connected, automated and data-driven transport technologies continue to develop rapidly, their success should ultimately be measured by the benefits they deliver for travellers, communities and society.
Hosted by Transport for West Midlands at Birmingham’s NEC from 25-29 October 2027, the Congress is expected to attract around 15,000 delegates from across the world, bringing together policymakers, transport authorities, researchers, technology providers and industry leaders to discuss the future of mobility.
The people-first message follows a series of announcements highlighting how Birmingham will showcase real-world transport innovation rather than simply exhibition technology, including a live Regional Transport Coordination Centre operating throughout the event, demonstrating how highways, public transport, emergency services and local authorities work together using real-time data.
Organisers say the Congress will provide an opportunity to explore how intelligent transport systems can make journeys safer, more sustainable and more accessible, while supporting economic growth and improving quality of life.
The Birmingham event marks the first time the ITS World Congress has been held in the UK since London hosted it in 2006. It is being organised by ERTICO – ITS Europe in collaboration with ITS America and ITS Asia-Pacific, with Transport for West Midlands acting as host.
The Congress will also be co-located with Highways UK, allowing visitors to move between the international ITS event and the UK’s flagship highways exhibition, creating what organisers describe as greater opportunities for collaboration across transport technology, infrastructure and mobility.
(Picture – ERTICO)
