Overcoming the roadblocks to large-scale CCAM deployment

The technology exists, yet connected mobility isn't everywhere. Why? 
The solutions enabling vehicles to communicate with traffic lights, emergency services reaching destinations faster, and more efficient public transport are already well-established. But how do we realize the full potential of these technologies? Itir Coskun, Innovation Manager at SWARCO’s global Technology & Innovation team, identifies the five critical challenges holding us back and presents a path forward to deliver results.

Large-scale connected mobility deployment faces multiple barriers, but the most fundamental is the fragmented progress across European cities. "Countries are at quite different starting points," Coskun notes. While some are just beginning their CCAM journey, others have been testing services for over 20 years. 

This disparity is an opportunity to learn from pioneers who have moved from isolated pilots to nationwide ecosystems. The Eco-AT (European Corridor - Austrian Testbed) project served as a vital precursor, proving that cooperative systems can work along key European corridors. Building on this, Germany has utilized the C-Roads Platform to refine specifications for nationwide C-ITS delivery, exemplified by the large-scale deployment of Road Works Warning (RWW) trailers. Similarly, the Netherlands demonstrates what is possible by moving beyond testing to deploy Intelligent Traffic Light Controllers (iTLCs) on a massive scale through the "Talking Traffic" partnership.

For CCAM to succeed, infrastructure and vehicles must “speak the same language” across the entire continent, yet Europe’s systems are still largely siloed. The industry is shifting away from proprietary systems toward an open ecosystem driven by harmonised European efforts. The key lies in the C-Roads specifications, which ensure that C-ITS services are deployed consistently. By committing to open standards such as ETSI (for V2X) and DATEX II (for traffic data), systems can integrate technologies from multiple suppliers and operate seamlessly across jurisdictions. “For long-term success, especially with CCAM which relies on communication between many actors, open systems are essential,” argues Coskun. This shift transforms isolated technological islands into a unified network — ensuring that road users experience consistent, reliable services as they move between cities and regions, without gaps or blind spots.

On the ground, there is often a gap between theoretical standards and urban reality. SWARCO MyCity Connect fills the need for a robust engine for data exchange and acts as this central C-ITS hub, providing a level playing field for multiple suppliers and innovative services. “MyCity Connect reflects an approach focused on simplified integration,” explains Coskun. Built on open standards, it allows municipalities to integrate data from any provider quickly and securely. This interoperability ensures new actors can be easily “plugged in” without disrupting existing operations. For road users, it translates into consistent service quality and reliable safety information - whether navigating a city center or crossing national borders.

CCAM relies on continuous, safety-critical data exchange, making it essential to ensure the integrity and authenticity of information while protecting the privacy of road users. A trusted framework, such as C-ITS PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), acts like a digital “passport” for every device, verifying messages and enabling secure collaboration. Without the ensured trust and security, cities, vehicle manufacturers, and service providers hesitate to share data, slowing deployment and limiting system reliability.

“Then there is the legislation aspect”, Coskun continues. ‘We are talking about deploying a technology that doesn’t always have its place defined in the regulations -not only in terms of technical requirements, but also in the allocation of responsibilities between stakeholders . This leads to inconsistent deployment strategies, and therefore different speed in adopting CCAM.So,there are good pilots, but they remain isolated. “Different OEM (vehicle manufacturer) behaviors, different RSU (roadside unit) configurations, different message profiles… even within borders deployments look different. This slows the market and exponentially increases integration effort. Cities then rightfully ask: ‘Is this scalable or just another local prototype?’ Early benefits depend on a critical mass, and we’re not there yet.”

Coskun explains that the low share of connected users is also a fact which creates a chicken-and-egg situation: authorities wait for penetration, OEMs wait for infrastructure, and the cycle slows down: that is the bumpy road. ‘Once we are there, many hesitations will be cleared out’, she predicts.

Cities don't need to wait for perfect conditions. Coskun outlines 3 steps any municipality can implement today:

1. Establish an open data platform
   Implement an open C-ITS hub enabling infrastructure providers, vehicle manufacturers, and other actors to test CCAM services immediately. Creating a fair playground opens the door for innovation.
    
2. Create strategic pilots & aim for modular implementation
   Select a corridor with high value or representative characteristics. Start small with core orchestration and scale up by adding CCAM functions systematically. Make sure to follow the established standards and stay away from custom developments where possible. 
    
3. Apply learnings systematically
   Document results and update procurement processes, creating sustainable cycles where each project builds on previous successes.

Successful CCAM ecosystems require cooperation between traditionally competing entities as well: vehicle manufacturers, technology suppliers, cities, and service providers must share data and work together. These collaborations must be based on trust between different stakeholders. ‘They must trust to share data and responsibilities without fear of competitive misuse’, emphasises Coskun.

Building trust requires clear governance structures and detailed discussions about shared value. Coskun draws from innovation platforms where competitors collaborate: ‘We're jointly explaining to public authorities how everyone gains value from cooperation. Success demands clear value perception by all parties. If stakeholders don't see concrete benefits, they won't participate, and these systems fall apart.’

Beyond collaboration, the success of CCAM solutions depends heavily on their usability and accessibility. Even the most advanced systems will struggle to scale if they are too complex to deploy, integrate, or operate. ‘Achieving critical mass is not just a matter of collaboration, but of practical usability,’ Coskun notes. Solutions must be designed so that cities and operators can adopt them with minimal friction, both technically and operationally. If deployment requires excessive effort, adoption slows, and the ecosystem risks failing to reach the scale needed to deliver its full value.