Transport Systems Congress 2026: Growing necessity of data exchange

How do we ensure that all data and systems in Europe can truly collaborate? This was one of the central questions at the International Transport Systems Congress 2026 in Istanbul, attended by the BDI.

The congress is organized annually by ERTICO: a European organization of governments and companies focused on innovation in mobility and logistics. Demonstrations and presentations delved deeper into the latest (digital) developments in urban logistics, autonomous vehicles, and sensor technology.

The common thread throughout all presentations was the enormous increase in data. The possibilities for data collection are growing rapidly—for example, through sensors, but also from participants in mobility and logistics processes. With this growth, the need for 'interoperability' is being felt more acutely. This refers to the ability to exchange data between all these different systems and organizations.

Data sharing on a European scale

The conclusion was clear: real value is only created when data can be shared on a larger scale between cities, regions, countries, and at a European level. This requires organizations and systems to exchange data in a standardized manner. Only then can the potential of technologies like Artificial Intelligence be fully utilized.

For this reason, the development of the European EDIC for Mobility and Logistics received significant attention during the congress. This European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (EDIC) is a collaboration between European member states aiming to establish a European management organization for interoperability. The goal is to establish agreements and subsequently standardize and safeguard them. In this way, data exchange between countries, systems, and organizations becomes simpler and more scalable.

BoostEDIC project: Testing in practice

The BoostEDIC project also plays a vital role within this trajectory. Starting in early 2027, concrete practical applications will be tested in various European projects. This will be done in collaboration with the private sector and participants from multiple member states. This is how European cooperation regarding interoperable data exchange is taking actual shape. Currently, six member states, including the Netherlands, have taken the initiative to establish the EDIC, with more than ten other member states involved as observers.

Jon Kuiper, representing the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, gave a presentation on the establishment of the EDIC. Furthermore, Stefanie Federl presented the launch of the BoostEDIC project on behalf of the German organization Acatech. Acatech leads this consortium together with the Dutch foundation Connekt.

Playing a leading role

From the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and all those involved in the development of the Basic Data Infrastructure (BDI), we strive to play a leading role in the development of European interoperability. This ensures that BDI participants can benefit optimally from these developments in the future.