The ITS World Congress's ceremonial globe has been passed from the current hosts in Gangneung, South Korea, to representatives from the UK in preparation for the 2027 Congress in Birmingham's NEC.

In a video shown at the closing ceremony for this year's event, government and West Midlands leaders invited the global transport technology community to Birmingham, highlighting the region's innovation, industrial heritage and connected transport network.

In the closing ceremony, DfT head of road infrastructure technology and president of the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE), Darren Capes, represented the UK: ‘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 its 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.'

The video features the Department for Transport's (DfT) chief scientific adviser, Professor Patricia Thornley, alongside other key figures, and explains why Birmingham offers delegates ‘an opportunity to see intelligent transport systems in action'.

‘Whether you're a researcher, an innovator, a practitioner, Birmingham is the place to be in 2027,' said Professor Thornley.

West Midlands Combined Authority chief executive, Ed Cox, described the Congress 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' and added 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, explained: ‘It is a city where you can experience a connected, evolving transport network firsthand. 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.'

Professor Thornley highlighted developments such as integrating bus, rail and trams and explained 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 said 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 said.

Professor Thornley closed the film with an invitation 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.'