Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) have the power to transform society, contributing to a future mobility ecosystem that is connected, more inclusive and equitable. ERTICO – ITS Europe has long championed innovation that delivers real-world impact, placing societal needs at the centre of ITS development.
Through its partnerships, initiatives and advocacy engagements, ERTICO works to facilitate and promote mobility innovations focusing on advancing technologies and digitalisation of transport while ensuring the importance of enabling solutions that are accessible, sustainable, and equitable. This commitment will come to life in less than a month during the ITS European Congress in Seville, 19-21 May where one of the core programme themes, ‘The Societal Needs in Mobility and Logistics’, will bring this into focus.
Through a carefully curated programme with high-level sessions, technical contributions, live demonstrations, and technical site visits, such as Seville’s autonomous shuttle service, this year’s Congress convenes thought leaders, public authorities, industry innovators, and researchers to explore how ITS can respond to some of the most pressing societal challenges in Europe and beyond.
Advancing ITS to Address Societal Challenges
The success of ITS deployment depends on how well it meets the needs of all users, including urban and rural, young and elderly, mobile and mobility restricted. As urbanisation intensifies and freight volumes increase, the pressure on sustainability, efficiency, and accessibility grows. Through innovations in digitalisation, electrification, and multimodal integration, ITS is uniquely positioned to address these evolving demands.
Key societal issues, such as equitable access, inclusive infrastructure, and user-centric mobility, will be at the heart of the discussions in Seville, and will provide the opportunity for all stakeholders to share expertise, solutions and new ways to close accessibility gaps, empower communities, and enhance quality of life for all.
Real-World Solutions on Display in Seville
Throughout the three days, leading companies and organisations will showcase how ITS solutions can be deployed in real-life to tackle these challenges. From technical sessions to interactive exhibits, participants will explore how cities and stakeholders across Europe and beyond are advancing inclusive mobility through strategic design, connectivity, and policy innovation.
A highlight of the programme is the technical visit to Seville’s autonomous shuttle, a working example of inclusive public transport innovation. This practical demonstration will show how supporting cities, and industry can pilot solutions together, a key commitment that ERTICO also share with its Partners and the broader ITS community.
Connecting People, Freight, and Future Workforce
ITS also plays a vital role in transforming both passenger and freight transport. AI, big data, and IoT are driving smarter public transport operations, improving safety, user experience, and operational efficiency. Integrated services like MaaS, real-time passenger information, and contactless ticketing bring us closer to seamless, on-demand mobility.
In freight, ITS innovations are also critical for sustainable logistics, from smart hubs and green last-mile solutions to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. These developments support not just environmental goals but also economic efficiency and supply chain resilience.
ERTICO acknowledges the importance of workforce transformation as automation and digitalisation evolve. Public trust, and workforce readiness are key factors in the successful deployment of emerging technologies. Equipping the industry with the right skills and fostering public confidence are part of ERTICO’s broader strategy for responsible innovation.
Overcoming Barriers, Building Impact
To unlock the full societal value of ITS, challenges such as high implementation costs, regulatory complexity, and data privacy is high on the agenda to be addressed. As ERTICO continues to promote cross-sector collaboration, the Congress will serve as the unique forum for all participants to contribute to the dialogue on innovative solutions, policy frameworks, and targeted investments in infrastructure to overcome barriers and accelerate deployment.
Advancing Inclusive Mobility Together
Through this powerful programme theme, the ITS European Congress, hosted by the City of Seville and organised by ERTICO – ITS Europe, demonstrates how ITS innovation can deliver positive societal outcomes.