ITS Breaks Industry Boundaries as Korea Showcases Its Statistical Model to the World

[Financial News] A Korean statistical model that uses a single standard to capture the intelligent transport systems (ITS) industry—spanning fields from roads and automobiles to rail, aviation and information technology (IT)—has been introduced on the international stage. It is designed to systematically analyze the size and structure of the ITS industry, which have been difficult to measure using existing industry classifications. The Korea Intelligent Transport Systems Association (ITS Korea) plans to use the model as a basis for expanding international cooperation, including sharing industry statistics across countries and developing common indicators.
On the 19th, ITS Korea introduced its Korean-style special classification for the ITS industry and a model for conducting industry statistics surveys to the international community at the 2026 Gangneung ITS World Congress.
ITS is a convergence industry that combines not only transport sectors such as roads and automobiles, rail, aviation and maritime transport, but also construction, manufacturing, software and information services. Because the industry spans such a broad range, existing industry classification systems alone make it difficult to identify relevant companies and industry activities, and have limitations in providing a comprehensive picture of the industry’s overall size, revenue and employment.
To address this, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and ITS Korea worked to establish a “special classification for the ITS industry” to systematically identify ITS-related activities spread across multiple industries. The classification system was officially established last December following expert review and consultations by the National Data Agency. This laid the foundation for statistical surveys that can classify ITS-related companies and industry activities and assess the industry’s size and structure, as well as business activities.
At this World Congress, ITS Korea is sharing its experience in developing Korea’s industry classification with overseas organizations involved in ITS. At the academic program, Lee Hyeong-seok, head of ITS Korea’s Strategic Planning Team, presented on the development and validation process for the classification system and the status of efforts to conduct industry statistics surveys, under the title “Development and Validation of a Korean-Style Special Classification for the ITS Industry.”
Promotional posters explaining the industry classification and the process for conducting statistical surveys were also displayed in the Korean pavilion at the World Congress. ITS Korea plans to discuss cooperation with overseas ITS associations and related organizations, including sharing industry statistics and information by country, exchanging statistical survey methods, and identifying common international indicators.
However, direct comparisons of industry size remain difficult because the scope of the ITS industry, classification standards and transport environments vary from country to country. ITS Korea plans to start by sharing countries’ experiences in developing industry statistics and gradually establish industry indicators that can be compared across countries. It also plans to continue improving Korea’s industry statistics survey system.
ITS Korea Chairman Heo Cheong-hoe said, “Although the ITS industry combines transport, ICT, manufacturing and services, its size and competitiveness have been difficult to fully assess under existing statistical systems. With the cooperation and support of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the National Data Agency, we were able to lay the foundation for the special classification for the ITS industry and its statistical surveys.” Heo went on to stress, “Taking this Gangneung ITS World Congress as an opportunity, we will share this experience with the international community and expand cooperation on industry statistics with overseas organizations involved in ITS.”
[email protected] Kim Dong-ho Reporter