Episode 26

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Published on:

30th Jul 2025

Breaking Bottlenecks: SWARCO's CEO on leading innovation in a gridlocked industry

How do you innovate, lead, and scale in an industry where policy, procurement, and public funding often stand in the way of real progress?

We discuss this with one of our industry’s leaders, Michael Schuch, CEO of SWARCO today on Highways Voices.

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In our chat, we unpack the major roadblocks facing innovation in transport infrastructure - from rigid procurement processes to inconsistent sustainability policies. This conversation reveals how to navigate the frustrating gap between political ambition and practical deployment, and how to stay future-proof in the process.

Michael gives reasons for the industry to work together to counter anticompetitive behaviour, discusses his culture of innovation across borders, even in the face of post-pandemic workplace challenges and explains why many groundbreaking traffic technologies never scale, and what’s needed to change that. He also talks about the company's the GoGreen Initiative and how to communicate the value of smart mobility solutions to cities worldwide.

This interview is a dip into the archives, originally shared in 2024 but as relevant 15 months later.

Highways Voices is brought to you with our partners the Transport Technology Forum, LCRIG, ADEPT and ITS UK.

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About the Podcast

Highways Voices: Talking Roads and Transport Technology innovation
The highways and transport technology industries' podcast from Highways-News.com
The Highways Voices podcast is a must-listen for professionals in the Highways and Transport Technology industries covering construction, maintenance, Intelligent Transport Systems and Public Transportation.

Presented by leading journalists Paul Hutton and Adrian Tatum, you’ll hear industry leaders sharing insights you won’t hear anywhere else, giving you a taste of the latest thinking about the sector's new techniques and technologies, collaborations and innovations. All in the time it takes for an average daily commute (or dog walk!).

We bring you keynote-speaker quality guests into your phone or laptop, ensuring every time you listen you’ll learn something new you can use in your day-to-day job.

Plus, you'll catch up with the top stories from the daily newsletters sent by Highways-News.com and hear the latest from our podcast partners LCRIG, the TTF, ADEPT and ITS UK.

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Highways Voices

Highways Voices is the weekly podcast from Highways-News.com. In it, Paul Hutton and Adrian Tatum speak to thought leaders, decision makers and inventors in the highways and transport technology industries. New editions are unloaded every Wednesday.