The manager of the Transport Technology Forum says a new study into the intelligent transport systems industry’s export opportunities will help Government focus its efforts to support UK businesses grow internationally.

The Department for Transport, through the TTF funded the ITS Exports Study produced by ITS UK, who gathered views from more than 100 ITS businesses in the UK. It looked into the levels of optimism around future export opportunities, current leading markets and those which the industry wishes to reach.  The responses suggested a general optimism around the industry about future growth.

“In the 1980s Britain led the world in traffic control systems, exporting its technology and expertise around the globe,” commented TTF manager Darren Capes.  “The research carried out by ITS UK shows we are now getting back onto that path, and will help shape engagement internationally, focus minds on where our efforts should be targeted and support the UK’s presence at European and World ITS Congresses.”

The Study provides ways in which the sector can achieve more and realise its huge export potential through Government and industry working together and focusing that joint effort to best effect.

“When I attended the ITS European Congress in Lisbon earlier in the year, I was struck by how innovative UK Intelligent Transport Systems are, and that they are so regarded across the continent,” Mr Capes continued.  “The excellent ITS UK study we funded gives us not only confidence that there is excellent export potential, but also where and how we need to be supporting our industry.

“The study, and subsequent work ITS UK will carry out with its members, will be invaluable as we build an even higher profile internationally.  With Birmingham being preferred host of the 2027 ITS World Congress, we can use this in our planning for that event.”

The Study was launched in Westminster by Department for Business and Trade Minister, The Earl of Minto on Thursday 9 November, as part of International Trade Week, the Government’s annual celebration of UK exports.

You can read it here.

(Picture – ITS UK)