SHAPING EUROPE’S TRANSPORT FUTURE: JOIN THE 2026 STA ANNUAL CONFERENCE & INNOVATION AWARDS ON 19 NOVEMBER 2026
The Smart Transportation Alliance (STA) is pleased to announce the 11th edition of the STA Annual Conference & Innovation Awards, taking place online on 19 November 2026, from 09:30 to 11:30 CET.
As the EU looks towards the 2028–2034 investment period,an important question is emerging: How can EU transport investments deliver stronger value for money?
On 19 November, under the title “From Vision to Projects: Expert Insights to Shape EU Transport Investments in 2028-2034,” the 2026 STA Annual Conference will offer different perspectives on how Europe can strengthen transport infrastructure investment and deliver greater value for money in the years ahead.
Bringing together perspectives from European institutions, academia and industry, the programme will explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the next generation of European transport infrastructure.
The 2026 STA Annual Conference will address:
The state of European transport systems, through the 2026 STA Transport Sector Health Index (TSHI);
Expert perspectives on safety, resilience, financing, construction and sustainability, through the findings of the 2026 STA Expert Perception Tracker;
A review on the framework for EU transport investments for 2028–2034 and how to maximise value for money.
The conference will conclude with the 2026 STA Innovation Awards Ceremony, followed by keynote addresses from the Awardees, to be announced soon.
Programme
09:30-09:35
Welcome speech: Dr José F. Papí, CEO at Etelätär Innovation, STA President
09:35-10:00
The 2026 STA Transport Sector Health Index (TSHI): Data-driven benchmarking across European countries:
Mr Jorge Alfonso, Researcher at the Visual Telecommunications Application Group (VTAG) Research Group of the Technical University of Madrid (UPM), Chair of STA’s Technical Committee on Operations & Connectivity
10:00-10:30
Delivering value for money in EU transport investments in 2028-2034:
Dr José F. Papí, CEO at Etelätär Innovation, STA President
10:30-11:00
2026 STA Expert Perception Tracker: Survey results on safety, resilience, financing, construction & sustainability:
Dr Elena de la Peña, Deputy Director General for Technical Affairs at the Spanish Road Association (AEC), STA Vice-President & Chair of STA’s Technical Committee on Safety & Resilience;
Mr César Bartolomé, Director for Innovation at the Spanish Institute of Cement and its Applications (IECA), Chair of STA’s Technical Committee on Smart Sustainability;
Prof José Manuel Vassallo, Director of the Transportation Research Centre (TRANSyT) of the Technical University of Madrid (UPM), Chair of STA’s Technical Committee on Financing;
Ms Eftychia Koliou, STA Comms Officer & Expert Perception Tracker Manager
11:00-11:30
Award Ceremony of the 2026 Annual Innovation Awards
Keynote Addresses from Awardees:
Person of the Year: To be announced shortly
Best Innovation Solution: To be announced shortly