IRU brought its pragmatic vision of innovation to the International Transport Forum’s mobility conference in Seoul, South Korea, today. The event gathered global industry leaders and experts to explore the future of mobility.
Delivering his insights during the Vision Talk session at ITF’s Innovation Futures: Beyond the Horizon Global Mobility Conference, IRU’s Secretary General highlighted the global road transport sector’s history of embracing cutting-edge technologies and driving digitalisation.
IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto said, "The road transport industry not only embraces technological breakthroughs, it drives them!
“Vehicles are increasingly connected in real-time. Vehicle sensors, telematics and other technologies are improving safety, driver productivity and conditions, transparency and traceability.
“However, alongside discussions on software-defined vehicles and artificial intelligence, we must not overlook ‘bread-and-butter’ digitalisation. This is particularly urgent for cross-border services, where truck drivers, our heroes, are still forced to carry up to 50 paper documents.”
The growing demand for trade and transport has amplified the urgency of transitioning from paper-based processes to fully digital systems for transit, customs and permits. Initiatives like e-CMR, the global standard for paperless consignment notes, exemplify how innovation can simplify operations and reduce administrative burdens.
“All of this comes back to pragmatism. Instead of waiting for future innovations, we must apply existing technologies and practices that drive economic growth today. Furthermore, we should not forget about regional differences. What works today in South Korea may take decades to implement in other parts of the world,” said Umberto de Pretto.
“The same holds true for decarbonising transport. We must be pragmatic and focus on efficiency measures, and, in parallel, have a longer-term strategy of incorporating alternative fuels. Evidence from the IRU Green Compact shows that this dual approach is the most pragmatic and efficient way to decarbonise while continuing to meet the mobility needs of communities and businesses worldwide,” he concluded.
On the sidelines of the conference, IRU and ITF signed a new cooperation agreement ahead of the ITF 2025 Summit on Transport Resilience to Global Shocks.