The International Road Federation (IRF) was proud to contribute to a highly successful edition of the ITF Global Mobility Forum, held on 12-13 December 2024, in Seoul, Republic of Korea (South Korea). Organised by the International Transport Forum (ITF) and co-hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea (MOLIT) and the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (KOTSA), the event brought together global leaders and experts from both within and outside the transport sector to explore innovation. 

On the first day of the conference, IRF’s Director General, Susanna Zammataro, participated in the panel session “When Innovation Meets the Road.” She highlighted key issues such as regional collaboration, equity in mobility, and the pursuit of sustainable development goals. Reflecting on IRF’s role in promoting sustainable road networks, Mrs. Zammataro discussed the transformative potential of electrification and advanced air mobility (AAM) in shaping the planning and sustainability of global road infrastructures.  

She also examined the major challenges in fostering international collaboration for mobility innovation, particularly in less developed regions. As the adoption of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and autonomous technologies accelerates, Susanna emphasised the need to ensure that road safety standards keep pace with these innovations. 

The Forum explored how public authorities can foster emerging technological and governance-related innovations. Key discussions focused on how public authorities conduct innovation scans, target specific innovation areas and initiatives, and implement mechanisms to actively promote innovation where it is most needed. 

The IRF looks forward to continuing these important conversations at the ITF 2025 Summit, which will take place from 21-23 May 2025, in Leipzig, Germany.