Key highlights from the 15th ITS European Congress in Lisbon

Credit: ERTICO ITS Europe

The 15^th ITS European Congress in Lisbon showcased three days of cutting-edge technology, innovative business solutions, and policy discussions that positioned Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) as a significant catalyst for change in the realm of mobility and transport. The event commenced with a warm welcome from Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon, and Jorge Moreno Delgado, Secretary of State for Urban Mobility, Government of Portugal, at the official Opening Ceremony.

Dr. Angelos Amditis, Chairman of ERTICO – ITS Europe, and Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO, shared their opening remarks, setting the stage for the congress’ mission. Herald Ruijters, Director of Investment, Innovative and Sustainable Transport and Acting Deputy Director-General, DG MOVE, European Commission, introduced this year’s ITS Congress celebration, followed by an inspirational speech from astronomer and writer, Dr. Esko Valtaoja. Re-live the Opening Ceremony here.

With participation from 2,500 individuals representing 59 countries, the congress featured a vibrant High-Level Programme comprising four dedicated Plenaries and 113 Technical Sessions, including sessions organised by ERTICO. The congress exhibition had also sold out and hosted 83 exhibitors and demonstrators, which proved to be dynamic and lively throughout the three days.

One of the key highlight was the Smart Mobility Summit of Cities and Regions, which offered representatives a unique opportunity to meet with peers, alongside a select group of technology and industry experts, to discuss challenges, possible solutions and future opportunities. Senior representatives from over 30 cities and regions from across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region met to discuss how intelligent and green mobility can contribute to sustainable growth and a better quality of life for all citizens. Read more about the ITS Summit results here.

Credit: ERTICO – ITS Europe

During the official Press Conference on the first day, esteemed thought leaders shared their latest insights. Filipe Anacoreta Correia, Vice Mayor of Lisbon, presented a local perspective of the city’s latest initiatives and its vision for sustainable mobility. Herald Ruijters, Director and Acting Deputy Director-General, DG MOVE and the European Commission, highlighted the importance of the European Commission’s Greening Freight Package, pointing towards three different European initiatives as part of the digital mobility package, including the European Mobility Data Space (EMDS), the Multi-Modal Travel Information Services (MMTIS), as well as the Multimodal Digital Mobility Services (MDMS). He also expressed that private-public partnerships and practical solutions to go green, as evidenced by the Lisbon Congress exhibition, are important elements to drive this agenda forward. On a similar note, SWARCO CEO, Michael Schuch emphasised on the need of collaboration as a key strategy and presented his company’s newly launched GoGreen initiative.

Following the Smart Mobility Summit, ERTICO Chairman Dr Amditis, gave a brief summary of its outcome, highlighting the crucial role of cities in moving ITS and smart mobility forward. Mr Vantomme, concluded with final comments on the importance of strengthening co-operation across Europe and beyond. He pointed to ERTICO – ITS Europe as a key enabler in bringing the broader ITS community together and connecting the dots for such a holistic approach, which has been the mantra of ERTICO and the ITS Congresses.

The 2023 edition of the ITS European Congress showcased the strength of the broader ITS community in driving initiatives on smart mobility forward with representatives from both public and private sector. Once again, it served as a unique platform for scientific excellence, business cases, advancing deployment and showing the achievement of the ITS European Congress to all stakeholders.

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