Birmingham was officially announced as the host city for the ITS World Congress in 2027 at a signing ceremony at ITS UK’s Parliamentary Reception on 4 September.

The Reception saw 200 industry representatives joined by Members of Parliament, Peers and Government Officials for an afternoon of celebration and discussion around transport technology and the future of mobility.

Priorities for the ITS sector

The Reception was kicked off by host MP Adam Jogee, newly elected to the Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency and sponsors Mobius Networks’ Chief Marketing Officer Laurence Hilton.

Adam spoke about the value and importance of transport to his region, and the history of the West Midlands as a centre for innovation, whilst Laurence covered the need to consider technology hollistically, including in areas like cyber.

ITS UK Chief Executive Max Sugarman spoke next, setting out the key priorities for the sector as set out in the recent Future of Transport Manifesto published ahead of the General Election.

The View from Policy Makers

Turning to key policymakers in the room, Baroness Randerson, Transport Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, set out the need for technology to be accessible to all and to ensure it was used to support the decarbonisation of the transport network.

She was followed by Anthony Ferguson, Deputy Director of Traffic and Technology at the Department for Transport, who set out the DfT’s commitment to the sector and to the World Congress in Birmingham.

World Congress, Birmingham 2027

Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO – ITS Europe and Sharon Thompson, Deputy Mayor of West Midlands Combined Authority, concluded the proceedings by signing the official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to host the 2027 ITS World Congress, marking a major milestone in the next three years’ journey towards the most significant event in the world of ITS.

Hosted by Transport for West Midlands, and supported by the Department for Transport, the Department for Business and Trade, the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, Visit Britain, NEC Birmingham and ITS UK, the 2027 ITS World Congress will offer a unique occasion to shape the trajectory of global mobility and transport.

Reactions

“This partnership demonstrates a testament to our joint commitment and leading role in shaping the future of mobility. The commitments I have seen so far are remarkable,” said Joost Vantomme, ERTICO CEO.

“Through the combination of ERTICO’s innovative approach with Birmingham’s rich industrial history and forward-thinking mobility initiatives, the 2027 ITS World Congress will perfectly blend tradition with future vision, driving transformative advancements in mobility.”

The West Midlands has a fantastic history of hosting big international events, from Crufts to the Commonwealth Games. I’m excited to welcome the leaders in global intelligent transport systems when they visit for what’s sure to be an unforgettable conference in 2027. It will provide a great platform for the best in transport innovation the UK has to offer,” added Sharon Thompson, Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands.

“I’m especially eager to show off our region’s cutting-edge transport developments that will soon make a real difference for everyone living and working here – from great value smart ticketing to the last mile delivery systems we’re working on.”

Sarah Sharples, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Department of Transport said, “I am delighted that DfT is a partner in this event, which will provide a fantastic opportunity to bring the ITS world to England’s West Midlands and showcase the innovation and technology happening in the UK at the moment”.

Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of ITS UK, concluded: “It was fantastic to have the official signing of the ITS World Congress, Birmingham 2027, take place in Parliament, as part of the ITS UK Annual Reception. More than 200 industry leaders, MPs from the West Midlands and beyond, Peers and Government officials were able to hear about the amazing opportunity the Congress provides in showcasing the world leading expertise the UK has in transport technology.

“Now, the work begins to deliver an incredible Congress!”

Watch the signing