Global Transport Innovation Takes Centre Stage in Birmingham 2027
The decision to bring the ITS World Congress and Highways UK together under one roof in 2027 signals more than just a logistical alignment. It reflects a deliberate shift in how the transport and infrastructure sector wants to collaborate, innovate and ultimately deliver results on the ground.
Set to take place at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, the co-location will see two of the industry’s most influential gatherings run side by side during the same week in late October. The 33rd ITS World Congress will run from 25 to 29 October, while Highways UK will occupy 26 and 27 October, ensuring a concentrated period of activity across policy, technology, and delivery.
It’s a move that recognises a simple reality. Infrastructure delivery and digital transport innovation can no longer operate in parallel silos. They must intersect, overlap and, at times, challenge each other if the sector is to keep pace with rapid urbanisation, decarbonisation pressures, and the increasing complexity of transport networks worldwide.
Briefing
- ITS World Congress and Highways UK will co-locate at the NEC Birmingham in October 2027
- The UK hosts the ITS World Congress for the first time since 2006
- The partnership bridges global transport innovation with UK infrastructure delivery
- Organisers aim to accelerate collaboration between policymakers, operators and technology leaders
- The co-location is expected to significantly expand international participation at Highways UK
A Strategic Convergence of Global and National Agendas
The ITS World Congress, organised by ERTICO – ITS Europe, has long been regarded as the global platform for advancing intelligent transport systems, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and technology providers from across continents. Its return to the UK after more than two decades carries weight, particularly at a time when digital mobility solutions are reshaping infrastructure planning.
Meanwhile, Highways UK has carved out its position as the UK’s primary forum for roads infrastructure, focusing on delivery, procurement and operational challenges. Organised by Terrapinn, the event has steadily grown into a cornerstone of the national highways calendar, attracting contractors, consultants, suppliers and public sector stakeholders.
By placing these events side by side, organisers are effectively merging two perspectives that have historically been separate. One is global, strategic and policy-driven. The other is national, practical and delivery-focused. Together, they form a more complete picture of how modern transport systems are conceived, funded, built and managed.
Chris Lane of Transport for West Midlands captured the logic behind the move: “Highways UK is a key date in the industry’s calendar every October while a UK-hosted ITS World Congress is an extremely rare event which everyone in the industry will want to visit, so it made no sense to run two separate events a few weeks apart. By having the two gatherings in next-door halls, we are offering people a unique chance to not only see and debate the latest in highways and transport technology innovation, but also to mingle with thousands upon thousands of like-minded professionals from around the world”.
Connecting Innovation with Real-World Delivery
For infrastructure professionals, the most significant aspect of this co-location lies in its potential to close the gap between innovation and implementation. Too often, emerging technologies showcased at global forums struggle to find traction within operational environments constrained by budgets, regulations and legacy systems.
By integrating the audiences of both events, the organisers are attempting to shorten that journey. Technology developers gain direct access to those responsible for delivering and maintaining national road networks, while infrastructure operators are exposed to cutting-edge solutions that could reshape their approach to asset management and service delivery.
Richard Pedley, Chief Digital and Information Officer at National Highways, highlighted this intersection: “Bringing Highways UK and the ITS World Congress together creates a real opportunity for the UK roads sector. It connects the people focused on running and improving the national network with global leaders in digital and intelligent transport systems. That mix is powerful – it helps speed up learning, collaboration and turning innovation into real-world impact on the network.”
This alignment is particularly relevant as road authorities worldwide grapple with integrating technologies such as connected vehicle systems, AI-driven traffic management, and digital twins. According to industry research from organisations such as McKinsey and the International Transport Forum, digitalisation could improve transport network efficiency by up to 20 percent in urban areas, provided that implementation barriers are addressed.
Strengthening the UK’s Position in Global Mobility
Hosting the ITS World Congress is, in itself, a statement of intent for the UK. The country has been actively positioning itself as a leader in connected and autonomous vehicle testing, smart infrastructure and data-driven mobility services. Bringing a global audience to Birmingham offers an opportunity to showcase these capabilities while fostering international partnerships.
At the same time, the presence of Highways UK ensures that the conversation remains grounded in practical realities. Discussions around procurement, maintenance and operational resilience will sit alongside broader debates on policy, sustainability and innovation.
Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO – ITS Europe, emphasised the dual value of the arrangement: “The co-location creates additional value for visitors, delegates, exhibitors and partners by encouraging meaningful engagement across both events, while ensuring each retains its own identity and purpose. I am very excited to welcome our visitors from around the world and, on top of everything they expect from a World Congress, add the chance to see the UK’s vibrant infrastructure sector in action. Likewise, we will welcome public authorities and the supply chain to see the technology driving transport innovation across the globe.”
This balance between global perspective and local application is likely to be one of the defining characteristics of the 2027 gathering. It reflects a broader shift within the infrastructure sector, where national priorities increasingly intersect with global challenges such as climate change, urban congestion and supply chain resilience.
Expanding Commercial Opportunities Across the Supply Chain
From a commercial standpoint, the co-location offers clear advantages for exhibitors and suppliers. Access to a broader, more diverse audience increases the potential for partnerships, contracts and knowledge exchange. For companies operating across multiple markets, the ability to engage with both UK-specific buyers and international stakeholders in one setting is particularly valuable.
Terrapinn’s Managing Director, Sean Willis, pointed to this expanded reach: “Over the last 10 years, Highways UK has become the undisputed forum for infrastructure delivery, operations and procurement-led challenges. Running our show alongside the ITS World Congress brings global ITS insight directly into the UK delivery conversation and opens the event up to a more international audience, I think we’re offering more than double the value to visitors.”
This increased exposure comes at a time when the global intelligent transport systems market is experiencing steady growth. Estimates from market analysts suggest that the ITS sector could exceed $70 billion by the end of the decade, driven by investments in smart cities, electrification and digital infrastructure. Events that bridge regional delivery with global innovation are likely to play a key role in shaping how that investment is directed.
Birmingham and the NEC as a Global Stage
The choice of Birmingham and the NEC as the host venue is far from incidental. Located at the heart of the UK’s transport network, the city offers strong connectivity by road, rail and air, making it well suited to hosting large international gatherings.
The NEC’s ability to accommodate multiple large-scale events simultaneously has been a decisive factor. With flexible exhibition spaces and established infrastructure, the venue can support the distinct requirements of both events while facilitating interaction between them.
Ian Taylor, Managing Director of NEC Exhibitions, noted: “Hosting both the ITS World Congress and Highways UK side by side in 2027 demonstrates the scale and flexibility of the NEC and our ability to support major international events with multiple audiences and formats. We’re proud to welcome delegates from around the world to Birmingham.”
The co-location also aligns with the UK’s broader ambition to position its regions as hubs for innovation and investment. By bringing a global audience to Birmingham, the event is expected to generate economic benefits for the region while reinforcing its role within the national infrastructure landscape.
A Catalyst for Long-Term Industry Collaboration
Looking beyond the immediate impact, the co-location of these events could set a precedent for how the industry approaches collaboration in the future. As infrastructure systems become increasingly interconnected, the need for integrated thinking across disciplines will only grow.
Events that encourage cross-sector dialogue are likely to become more important, not less. They provide a space where policymakers, engineers, technologists and investors can align their priorities and explore new approaches to shared challenges.
In that sense, the 2027 gathering is not just another date in the calendar. It represents a step towards a more cohesive, collaborative model for the global transport and infrastructure sector. By bringing together those who design, build, manage and innovate, it offers a glimpse of how the industry might evolve in the years ahead.
