The Closing Ceremony of the 2026 ITS World Congress in the Korean city of Gangneung has seen the traditional handing over of the event’s ceremonial globe to the next hosts, as the event comes to Birmingham’s NEC in one year’s time.
In a video shown at the ceremony, government and West Midlands leaders invited the global transport technology community to Birmingham, highlighting the region’s innovation, industrial heritage and connected transport network.
Featuring Department for Transport Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Patricia Thornley alongside senior regional leaders, the film explains why Birmingham offers delegates an opportunity to see intelligent transport systems in action and contribute to their future development.
“Whether you’re a researcher, an innovator, a practitioner, Birmingham is the place to be in 2027,” says Professor Thornley.
The video brings together national Government support with the ambitions of the West Midlands, presenting the Congress as an opportunity to showcase technology that improves everyday journeys.
West Midlands Combined Authority Chief Executive Ed Cox describes it as “a fantastic opportunity for Birmingham, the West Midlands, and the United Kingdom to show that we’re at the cutting edge of innovation and inclusive growth”.
Mr Cox adds that the region is at the forefront of key clusters and industries, including smart mobility and transport.
Executive Director of Transport for West Midlands Sandeep Shingadia explains that visitors will be able to experience the practical application of those technologies.
“It is a city where you can experience a connected, evolving transport network firsthand,” he says. “That is what ITS is about. It is the technology behind the scenes that connects systems and helps make journeys simpler, more reliable, and easier to use.”
Mr Shingadia points to integrating bus, rail and tram, improving how people pay for and plan journeys, and using data to run services more efficiently.
Professor Thornley links those developments to the region’s established expertise, explaining that the West Midlands has a rich industrial heritage of transport innovation, with important international businesses that have been at the forefront of transport technology for decades.
Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker says the event offers an opportunity to support innovation far beyond the host region.
“There’s no better place to be hosting this fantastic event, as Birmingham and the West Midlands is now driving the innovation in transport technology,” he says.
Mr Parker adds that he wants to make the Congress “an event to remember” that helps drive innovation throughout the transport network globally.
The film closes with a direct invitation from Professor Thornley to get involved: “The call is open now for submissions, and we would just love to have you here in Birmingham. So please do come and join us for ITS World Congress 2027. I can’t wait to see you there.”
In the closing ceremony, Department for Transport Head of Road Infrastructure Technology Darren Capes represented the United Kingdom saying: “I would like to start by congratulating the organising committee of this World Congress, the City of Gangneung, ITS Korea, and all those involved. It’s been a fantastic event. It’s now a year and two days until we meet again in Birmingham, and we can’t wait. We think is going to meet the very, very high bar that’s been set here this week. We really look forward to seeing you all in Birmingham in October 2027 for the 33rd World Congress.”
Watch the video here.
(Picture – Sarah Hutton)