At a time when intelligent transport systems (ITS) and their integration are high on the Greek political and business agenda, the election of a Greek President at the helm of the European organization ERTICO – ITS Europe represents a significant opportunity for Greece. It is a favorable development for international representation and connection with the broader European landscape in the transport sector.
Leading the European organization for Intelligent Transport Systems in Europe (ERTICO) for a third consecutive term is Dr. Angelos Amditis, Research and Development Director of the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS) at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA).
Dr. Amditis’ reelection is a testament to six years of effective and successful leadership during which ERTICO has not only fostered new collaborations and opened new horizons but has also strengthened its role as a key interlocutor for the EU in shaping European policies. These policies focus on improving road safety, protecting the environment, developing reliable and efficient mobility solutions for citizens, and promoting innovation through partnerships and collaborations.
Angelos Amditis is among the few Greeks to have assumed the presidency of a European organization, especially in a sector often considered challenging within the Greek context. Given that intelligent systems and their integration into the world of transport represent a continually developing and ambitious field of action for Greece, and considering the urgent need to accelerate the transition toward smart mobility and supply chains, his election—unanimous, at that—is a significant distinction.
With a vision for smart, green, sustainable, and resilient future transportation, ERTICO has been, since 1991, the largest European collaborative platform for integrating intelligent systems into transport. The organization promotes research and innovation in areas such as connected and automated driving, urban mobility, green mobility, freight transport, and logistics. Today, it boasts over 120 members, including public and private entities across Europe (service providers, suppliers, large industries, telecom providers, automakers, public authorities, user organizations, academic institutions, research bodies, and more). While its activities and membership continue to expand, ERTICO serves as a key advisor to the EU on mobility and transport policy. It also organizes major conferences and international networking events to advance the interoperability of ITS on a global scale. Strategic activities of the organization from the past year are detailed in its celebratory annual report, available [here].
“It is an honor to hold this position today and have the opportunity to represent the Greek research and business community in the European dialogue within a sector where technological developments are rapid and global, necessitating a comprehensive restructuring of the landscape. Europe is building toward a vision of green, smart, safe, and connected mobility, and Greece is called upon to contribute by shaping sustainable and resilient transport solutions for its citizens. ERTICO can serve as a pivotal link in this effort, providing access to a dynamic international community, fertile ground for exchanging expertise and best practices, and support for the development of Greek research, innovation, and business activity. Recognizing the collaborative nature of ERTICO’s initiatives as key to restructuring the European transport sector, I invite active participation from the Greek research, business, and academic community in ERTICO’s network. Together, we can build the bridges necessary to bring us closer to the vision of the smart societies of the future,” Dr. Amditis remarked in a recent interview.
Dr. Angelos Amditis has been a member of ERTICO’s Board of Directors since 2013 and was first elected Chairman of the Board in 2018. He is a distinguished researcher holding key positions in several national and international organizations. In addition to his role as Research and Development Director at ICCS, one of Greece’s leading research institutes, he also serves as a board member of the European Technology Platform on Logistics (ETP-ALICE) and Vice President of ITS Hellas. Additionally, he is a board member of the Hellenic Institute of Logistics & Management (ILME). His past roles include Chairman and Deputy Chairman of OASA (Athens Urban Transport Organization) and a board member of EYDAP (Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company).
Dr. Amditis has an extensive academic and research record spanning over 25 years. He founded the ISENSE Group, comprising more than 180 researchers and personnel, and has coordinated or scientifically supervised over 100 large-scale research projects. His work includes hundreds of publications, numerous awards, and significant contributions to the fields of information and communication systems, automation, digitalization, and innovation, with a strong emphasis on addressing societal needs, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
His unanimous reelection as Chairman of the Board occurred during ERTICO’s 34th General Assembly.
In his current role as Chairman, Dr. Amditis continues to advance the organization’s vision of a smart and green mobility era with dedication and vigor.