ITS cooperation to be strengthened between European and Russian partners

On 8 September 2010 ERTICO and ITS Russia signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will provide a framework towards cooperation in the field of ITS.

Cooperation talks started a few years ago and materialised in 2008 with the participation in the EC funded project SIMBA II.

The project served to strengthen road transport research cooperation between Europe and emerging international markets among them Russia.  SIMBA II concluded in April 2010. The project has mapped the national RTD activities policies and future requirements in Russia and has defined a joint list of EU-Russia priorities which could result in concrete projects contributing to ITS deployment. The project also provided a medium for ERTICO and ITS Russian partners to establish contacts.

During this time ERTICO and ITS Russia partners expressed interest to reinforce cooperation on ITS between the two regions beyond the scope of SIMBA II. Cooperation between the two regions will render the transport sector more competitive and will allow for an integration of Russia into the enlarged European transport networks.

ERTICO and ITS Russia hope to facilitate knowledge exchange between their partners and the development of collaborative projects with this MoU. To make this cooperation effective a roadmap will be agreed between both parties outlining potential areas of cooperation and identify opportunities for cooperation.

European and Russian ITS partners as well as policy makers and investors will be invited to take part in the activities. 
Upcoming events where ERTICO and ITS Russia will be present include:

•    ITS World Congress Busan 25 – 29 October 2010
•    ROAD Conference Moscow 22 – 25 November 2010 (Updated information is available)

For more information please contact:

ERTICO – ITS Europe
Irina Silva

ITS Russia
Vladimir Kryuchkov

 

Link to original Article

http://www.ertico.com/ertico-and-its-russia-sign-mou/

Original Publication Date: Tue 05 Oct 2010