Birmingham secures ‘preferred city’ status for ITS World Congress 2027
The world’s leading experts on smart transport systems are set to gather in Birmingham following confirmation that the city has been named as the preferred candidate to host the 2027 Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress (ITS).
The global event will bring thousands of delegates to the NEC Birmingham to explore, share ideas and demonstrate the latest developments in transport including autonomous vehicles, electric and zero-emission technology, 5G technology and traffic management systems.
Birmingham was announced as preferred 2027 host city during the 29th ITS World Congress in Suhzou, China. The successful bid was a collaboration between the Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), the Department for Transport (DfT), Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK) and the NEC Birmingham (National Exhibition Centre).
ITS World Congress is held in rotation between three global regions – the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa. Birmingham will host the 33rd event.
This success is a sign of the West Midlands growing reputation as a hotbed for innovation and the development of cutting-edge transport technology and systems.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for the West Midlands to take to the global stage once again and demonstrate our commitment to innovation and sustainability on transport.
“We look forward to showcasing our region’s achievements – innovation and smart transport are a crucial part of our plans to decarbonise our transport and meet the climate change challenge.
“We will welcome industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers from around the world here to share their expertise and cement our place as a hub for transport innovation.”
Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), added, “The UK is one of the leading global centres for transport technology, so it is brilliant news that we will have the chance to showcase the sector to the world.
“Whether it’s in connected and autonomous vehicles, the latest smart ticketing systems or the use of AI and data, our intelligent transport industry is brimming with innovation, with British companies supporting greener, safer and more integrated transport not only in the UK, but across the globe.
“We look forward to working with our partners in the Department for Transport and West Midlands Combined Authority in telling the many great British success stories across our transport technology sector.”
Hosting the ITS World Congress will put the spotlight on the UK’s businesses, educators, public authorities, and academics working on smart transport.
The ITS World Congress attracts thousands of delegates and speakers from around the world and includes seminars, exhibitions, technical visits, and outreach events. It provides a platform for the latest developments in transport technology and mobility solutions.