Munich Secures Europe’s Flagship Mobility Research Conference for 2030

Munich has been selected to host the 13th edition of the Transport Research Arena (TRA), Europe’s leading conference on mobility, transport innovation and policy. The event will take place at Messe München from 20–23 May 2030, following the official announcement at this year’s TRA gathering in Budapest.

Held every two years, the Transport Research Arena is Europe’s largest interdisciplinary platform dedicated to transport research and innovation, bringing together policymakers, academics, industry leaders and mobility experts to shape the future of transport systems. The award marks a significant win for Germany and reinforces Munich’s growing reputation as one of Europe’s foremost centres for mobility innovation, research and technological development.

The successful bid was led by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) and supported by a broad coalition of public-sector, academic and industry partners, including the Bavarian State Ministry of Housing, Building and Transport, the City of Munich, its Mobility Department, and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) through its MCube mobility innovation cluster.

Hosting TRA 2030 is expected to strengthen both Munich’s and Bavaria’s position as leading hubs for sustainable, digital and resilient mobility solutions, while creating new opportunities for international collaboration, investment and talent attraction.

The conference will focus on emerging mobility technologies, transport policy, research breakthroughs and strategies for addressing some of the sector’s most pressing challenges, including climate action, digital transformation and global competitiveness.

Patrick Schnieder, Federal Minister of Transport, said: “Germany’s selection as the host country for the Transport Research Arena 2030 sends a clear message, highlighting our country’s significance as a global mobility and research hub. TRA 2030 is a central platform that will bring together key stakeholders from science, research, business and politics to jointly shape the future of mobility. Germany, as the host of TRA 2030, represents innovation, technological excellence and the sustainable development of future transport systems”.

For Bavaria, the event represents a strategic opportunity to showcase the region’s innovation ecosystem and industrial strengths on an international stage.
 

Christian Bernreiter, Bavarian State Minister of Housing, Building and Transport, commented: “The Free State of Bavaria is one of Europe’s strongest economic regions and stands for innovation and high-tech in mobility and logistics. This makes Munich the ideal host city for an international and interdisciplinary mobility conference that brings together leading companies, political institutions and vibrant research communities from across Europe. I look forward to engaging discussions and practical examples of sustainable mobility that will make our societies fit for the future. The event will also strengthen Bavaria’s position as a leading European hub for transport technology and mobility solutions!”

City leaders also view the conference as recognition of Munich’s role at the forefront of transport innovation.

Dominik Krause, Mayor of Munich, said: “The decision to host TRA 2030 in Munich underlines the city’s reputation as a leading European innovation hub. We’re currently witnessing major technological advances in the transport sector – and we’re on the verge of a breakthrough in autonomous driving. I think it’s important that Munich continues to play a key role in the research and development of these and other technologies. TRA can act as a catalyst for innovation, so I’m delighted that we’ve managed to bring the conference to Munich”.

The city’s academic community is also expected to play a central role in the programme. The Technical University of Munich, one of Europe’s leading research institutions, will contribute through MCube, Germany’s largest innovation cluster dedicated to sustainable mobility.

Professor Thomas F. Hofmann, President of the Technical University of Munich (TUM), said: “The Transport Research Arena is Europe’s central platform for mobility research. In this context, TUM contributes its exceptional breadth of scientific expertise and international excellence in mobility research. Through MCube, Germany’s largest innovation cluster for sustainable mobility, TUM bridges the gap between research, business, the public sector and civil society. The cluster brings together key stakeholders from all these fields to collaborate on sustainable, intelligent and socially accepted solutions. Thanks to this holistic approach, TUM and MCube will be a major source of momentum for TRA 2030”.

For Munich’s Mobility Department, the conference presents an opportunity to showcase the city’s integrated approach to urban transport and mobility planning.

Georg Dunkel, Head of Mobility for the City of Munich, said: “I’m very pleased that Munich has won the bid for TRA 2030. This is a great opportunity! The conference offers an important platform to discuss and advance innovative solutions to the pressing challenges of our time. Munich is a strong centre for business and research with a modern, integrated and sustainable transport policy. In ‘Mobile Future Munich’ (MZM), we already have an alliance where these areas work closely together. When TRA comes to our city, we’ll be able to bring all of this expertise into the international exchange”.
 

The economic implications are also expected to be significant, particularly for Munich’s growing innovation and start-up ecosystem.

Dr Christian Scharpf, Head of Labour and Economic Development for the City of Munich, noted: “The Transport Research Arena 2030 will bring global leaders in mobility to Munich. This will strengthen exchange between business and research, creating real opportunities for our companies and start-ups to cooperate and drive innovation. At the same time, Munich will reaffirm its role as a leading hub for future technologies and sustainable mobility”.

Beyond its research and policy impact, the event is expected to generate momentum for investment, business development and talent recruitment, while further strengthening Munich’s international profile as a destination for innovation-led events.

As host venue, Messe München will provide the infrastructure and international connectivity required for an event of TRA’s scale and significance.

Dr Reinhard Pfeiffer and Stefan Rummel, Managing Directors of Messe München, said: “With its strong infrastructure and global connectivity, Messe München is the perfect venue for an event of this scale. TRA 2030 will facilitate exchange between research, industry and politics at the highest level and further strengthen Munich’s position as one of Europe’s leading trade fair locations and innovation hubs”.
 

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