PROGRESS Digital Trade Demonstrator at Teesside International Airport
PROGRESS Digital Trade Demonstrator at Teesside International Airport
As part of the national drive to digitise international trade, a groundbreaking international digital trade approach was demonstrated at Teesside International Airport, part of the wider Tees Valley Freeport, on 28th February 2025.
The approach has been developed collaboratively by ICC United Kingdom, its Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation (C4DTI), Digital Catapult, and Teesside University. It marks a significant step in transforming cross-border trade by harnessing cutting-edge digital technologies.
Funded through the Made Smarter Initiative – Digital Supply Chain Hub Flagship Phase 4 (10069246), the PROGRESS (Physical assuRance fOr diGital tRadE SyStems) project aims to enhance the real-time tracking of physical consignments, addressing key challenges in trade logistics and supply chain transparency. Using technologies such as 5G, IoT, geofencing, and advanced data analytics, the project aims to support improving the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of supply chains while providing security benefits.
Pioneering Innovation
Prof. David Hughes, Associate Dean at Teesside University, expressed the university’s critical role in the project, stating:
“Teesside University has been at the forefront of developing solutions that will transform global supply chains. We are proud to support this digital shift, and the demonstration at Teesside International Airport will showcase the technological advancements we’ve made.”
Teesside University has also contributed to projects such as CM-NICE, where it played a central role in developing business models and strategic roadmaps for the critical minerals sector. These initiatives highlight Teesside University’s commitment to driving innovation and shaping the future of industry collaboration.
Transforming Digital Trade
Chris Southworth, Secretary General of ICC United Kingdom, underlined the significance of the PROGRESS project:
“The future of global trade is digital, and PROGRESS represents a major milestone in making that a reality. By moving beyond outdated, paper-based processes, this initiative lays the groundwork for a more efficient, secure, and transparent trade system. The demonstration at Teesside International Airport will provide a clear example of how digital innovation can streamline cross-border trade and strengthen the UK’s leadership in global trade digitisation.”
Collaborative Expertise
Tim Lawrence, Director of Digital Supply Chain at Digital Catapult added:
“By integrating technologies like 5G and IoT, we are providing unprecedented visibility and control over cross-border supply chains. The PROGRESS demonstrator offers a glimpse into the future of digital, secure, and seamless global trade.”
The demonstration at Teesside International Airport is expected to garner attention from both industry leaders and policymakers, further positioning the UK and Teesside as key players in advancing digital trade innovation.