Skip to main content

Canada’s ITS sector looks to boost exports

A mission to Hong Kong and Shenzhen in China marks the start of a series of export visits planned within ITS Canada’s new International Business Development (IBD) strategy, the only one open to all members, including SMEs, across the country’s transportation industry.
December 11, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
Association chair Chris Philp.
A mission to Hong Kong and Shenzhen in China marks the start of a series of export visits planned within 74 ITS Canada’s new International Business Development (IBD) strategy, the only one open to all members, including SMEs, across the country’s transportation industry.


The association is receiving funding from Global Affairs Canada, which promotes SMEs abroad, to cover up to half of members’ travel costs.

Association chair Chris Philp told ITS International: “Many of our members must market abroad to remain sustainable.” He anticipates a “significant increase” in numbers of Canadian software firms making transportation-related apps for mobile devices and in-vehicle applications.

Since these companies typically don’t market their products along geographic lines, but sell through channels such as app stores, automotive OEMs and public transportation agencies, the association aims to strengthen links with global supply chains in target areas.

It is emphasising sustainable elements in ITS technologies that are important for rapidly developing economies with congestion and environmental issues. There will also be a continued drive into the US, the Canadian industry’s largest single market.

In the reverse direction, 8082 ITS France and national economic development agency Business France staged a May 2017 briefing in Paris on ITS opportunities in Canada.

This highlighted the country’s 2015 legislation enabling a national ITS architecture which is designed to ensure full compatibility of ITS products and services in integrated systems.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Port Authority of New York to go all-electric
    November 2, 2018
    A leading US public transportation agency has become the first in the country to embrace the Paris Climate Agreement, and will introduce an all-electric airport shuttle bus fleet. The voluntary Paris deal is aimed at curbing global temperature rise to under 2 degrees Celsius. As part of a commitment to achieving this, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says it will aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 35% by 2025 – and 80% by 2050. Its shuttle fleet will consist of 36 electric vehicl
  • Skedgo partners with Fluidtime to broaden MaaS offering
    June 10, 2019
    Mobility company Skedgo has partnered with software firm Fluidtime to expand its Mobility as a Service (MaaS) offering. SkedGo says its mobility platform can combine all public, commercial and private transport modes into smart trip chains, with priority settings for time, carbon and money. Fluidtime’s mobility solution, Fluidhub, is aimed at helping cities and public transport companies install and operate integrated mobility services. Speaking to ITS International, John Nuutinen, SkedGo's chief busin
  • Here’s HD AV map prepared for 5G
    June 17, 2019
    The emergence of 5G may not be necessary to provide a high-definition map for autonomous driving, says Matt Preyss from Here Technologies. Ben Spencer asks why 5G is a hot topic worldwide, with the potential for faster transfer of information eagerly awaited by those convinced that it will be a game-changer for the ITS industry. High-definition (HD) maps are essential to allow autonomous vehicles (AVs) to understand their environment, and operate safely within it in relation to other road users and p
  • ITS America appoints new technical editor
    April 24, 2013
    ITS America has chosen Dr John Miles as technical editor for a new web-based resource on ITS. With funding from the US Department of Transportation (USDOT), the society plans to publish in mid-2014 in partnership with the World Road Association (PIARC) on the latter’s website.