Congress Theme
Connect ideas. Transform Transport.
The Technical Programme is organised around topics that capture the key technological, operational and societal dimensions of ITS. For the 2027 ITS World Congress in Birmingham, the Programme Committee has identified the following four topics that reflect the challenges the sector faces today and the opportunities that will define transport and mobility in the years ahead.
1. Trustworthy and resilient systems
This topic addresses the technologies, frameworks and operational approaches that strengthen the reliability of transport systems. It includes cybersecurity, trusted data sharing, interoperability, digital infrastructure and infrastructure resilience. Contributions to this topic will be encouraged from those developing solutions that enhance the robustness of transport networks, support continuity of service and build public confidence in increasingly connected mobility.
Subtopics
Safety
Cybersecurity
Security-by-design
Resilience of transport networks and supply chains
Trusted and secure services
Safeguarding infrastructure and assets
Risk management and emergency response
Trusted data and digital infrastructure
Climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience
Data sharing and interoperability
2. Next-generation ITS
The focus of this topic will be on supporting practical and scalable next-generation ITS solutions that improve safety, efficiency, sustainability and user experience. Areas of interest include responsible and applied AI, connected, cooperative and automated mobility, intelligent and software-defined vehicles, digital twins, future human-machine interaction and innovative aerial mobility.
Subtopics
Quantum
Applied and responsible AI
Robotics
Intelligent vehicles
Connected, cooperative and automated mobility
Human factors
Digital twins
Emerging technologies
Software-defined vehicles
Transformative technologies
Future human-machine interaction
Dual use of technologies
Satellite-based services
Air mobility, drones, and innovative aerial services
3. Connected and integrated services
This topic explores the digital services and collaborative approaches that enable integrated mobility. It turns the spotlight on multimodal passenger and freight transport, public transport integration, connected vehicle services, smart logistics, transport-energy integration and alternative fuels infrastructure. Solutions that improve customer experience and support a transport ecosystem in which people, goods and information move more effectively will be examined under this topic.
Subtopics
Freight and logistics
Public transport
Shared mobility
MaaS
Intermodal services
Connected vehicle services
Road user services
Customer experience
Transport and energy
Alternative fuels infrastructure
Energy-grid integration
Smart charging
Multimodal road
Rail, air and waterborne transport
Passenger and freight integration
Mobility network management
4. Deploying ITS at scale
This topic is concerned with the practical aspects of implementing and expanding ITS solutions. Contributors may address infrastructure, operations, digital services, governance, policy, user-centred design, behaviour change and lessons learned from deployment. The theme also considers the role of ITS in supporting decarbonisation, e-mobility and inclusive mobility. By sharing evidence from implementation alongside technical advances, this topic seeks to accelerate the adoption of solutions that deliver lasting environmental, economic and societal value.
Subtopics
Infrastructure
Operations
Data and digital services
Stakeholder cooperation
Scalable deployment
Scalable deployment
Carbon reduction
Zero emissions
Affordability, accessibility, inclusion and societal benefits
E-mobility
Alternative fuels
Urban mobility
User-centred design
Behavioural change and adoption
Governance, policy, regulation, ethics
The Call for Contributions for Special Interest Sessions, Poster Sessions and Papers will open on 22 October 2026.
Researchers, local authorities, consultants, technology companies and transport operators are encouraged to begin considering how their work aligns with the programme topics and to prepare their submissions accordingly.
