A major new European initiative for the future of Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility was officially launched during the TRA 2026 Conference in Budapest. The launch of the Global CCAM Observatory marks a significant new European initiative designed to strengthen strategic monitoring and intelligence capabilities in Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility (CCAM).
Implemented by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in cooperation with Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD), the Global CCAM Observatory establishes a new science-based and neutral platform for monitoring the rapidly evolving global CCAM ecosystem.
ICCS has been actively involved in the initiative since its early stages, through the development of the European CCAM Knowledge Base within the FAME and the CCAMbassador projects, which laid important foundations for the creation and integration of the Observatory.
While the Observatory’s strategic concept and analytical framework were designed by the JRC, ICCS played a key role in transforming this vision into an operational digital platform, leading the technical development and integration activities that enabled its deployment within the European CCAM Knowledge Base ecosystem.
“The launch of the Global CCAM Observatory marks the beginning of a new capability: the ability to systematically understand, anticipate and strategically navigate the global transformation of connected and automated mobility. By combining scientific monitoring, technological intelligence and collaborative European innovation, the Observatory creates a new reference point for the future of CCAM — helping Europe not only follow developments, but actively shape what comes next,” noted Angelos Amditis, ERTICO’s Chairman and ICCS’s R&D Director.
The Observatory analyses how enabling CCAM technologies are being developed and deployed worldwide, mapping the international landscape while highlighting the position of European industry, including SMEs and start-ups. Through a detailed technology-stack analysis, it breaks down the CCAM ecosystem into its constituent layers, tracks technological trends and evaluates the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) of key components shaping the future of connected and automated mobility.
Beyond public data analysis, the Observatory also incorporates on-site validation activities, including field visits, structured interviews and direct engagement with technology and service providers, enabling a more accurate understanding of real-world deployment conditions and implementation challenges.
The platform ultimately aims to generate strategic, evidence-based insights capable of supporting European and national investment decisions, contributing to the European Automotive Action Plan and supporting initiatives such as the European Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Alliance (ECAVA).
By mapping private-sector innovation and technological evolution across the full CCAM stack, the Observatory will provide essential intelligence on emerging trends, Europe’s competitive positioning, strategic gaps and future opportunities for policy-makers, industry and the research community.
The platform is publicly accessible through the European CCAM Knowledge Base:
Connected Automated Driving Knowledge Base
ICCS would like to highlight the excellent cooperation with DGRTD and JRC and also to thank EC colleagues for their trust and the directions and input provided. Many thanks also to ERTICO, the coordinator of the related EU projects and the CCAM Partnership for the input provided and the overall cooperation. “This excellent cooperation is a perfect example of how joining forces and bringing together relevant stakeholders could create tangible and fruitful results for the whole transport ecosystem of Europe” says Angelos Amditis.
