Working Group Leaders
Representatives of Brussels-based offices leading the work of the Smart Cities Working Group.
Smart Cities
The objective of the Working Group is to act as a platform to offer early information on priorities and funding opportunities linked to Smart Cities, with a focus on the EU Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. The WG aims to facilitate sharing of experiences and support matchmaking to develop new partnerships and projects. The WG targets the smart city topic from an integrated and holistic approach, addressing issues such as citizen engagement, data-driven policy and smart governance models, while exploring synergies between the areas linked to smart cities as addressed by the ERRIN WGs on Energy and Climate Change, Transport and ICT.
ERRIN Contact
Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030
The Smart Cities WG has taken an active role in shaping the Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030 - one of the five mission areas under Horizon Europe - and is closely following the implementation of the mission. Visit our dedicated Cities Mission page to learn more about our work on this.
Future Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Cities Mission – focus on sustainable urban mobility
The meeting organised by the Transport and the Smart Cities WGs will focus on the proposed mobility strategies in the Climate Cities Contracts and the measures needed to reduce emissions.
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Artificial Intelligence related strategies at local and regional level – ICT WG Meeting
In December 2023, the Council and the European Parliament reached a political agreement on the AI Act, setting out rules for the development and usage of AI in Europe. With AI's growing importance
Policy & Smart Specialisation WGs meeting: Widening in FP10 and impact on cohesion policy post-2027
The topic of widening gathers high attention in the discussions around the next European Framework Programme for R&I, raising questions with the potential to influence not only the Widening sub-
Policy WG meeting: Role of EU Missions in FP10
ERRIN has been closely involved in the design and implementation of the EU Missions since their inception. Missions remain one of the network's priorities and were one of the four main areas of focus
WG Related Events
Horizon4Poland '22 Matchmaking Event
Horizon4Poland ’22 matchmaking event organised by the Industry Contact Points of the Lukasiewicz Research Network takes place on 22 November 2022 between 09:30 and 17:15 in Warsaw. The purpose of the event is to build cooperation, match partners and support the creation of consortia to obtain funding for research and innovation projects under Horizon Europe Programme in six focus areas.
Smart Tourism Destinations Project - Webinar #2
Smart Tourism Destinations is a European Commission initiative to support EU cities to facilitate access to tourism and hospitality products and services through technological innovation. The initiative is hosting a series of webinars addressing a range of topics related to innovative digital solutions for tourism. the next one will take place on 17 November and will focus on the deployment of data management and technological solutions for innovation in smart destinations.
COP 27 EU side event:Local Green Deals – Implementing global ambitions at the local level
The COP 27 EU side event on 'Local Green Deals – Implementing global ambitions at the local level' is taking place on 17 November between 11:00 and 12:00.
COP27 EU side event: Climate neutral and smart cities with and for citizens
The COP27 EU side event 'Climate neutral and smart cities with and for citizens' will take place online on 17 November from 10:00 to 11:00.
European Partnership Stakeholder Forum - One-year review of European Partnership Initiatives in Horizon Europe
On 15 and 16 November 2022, the European Commission will launch its first European Partnership Stakeholder Forum. The Forum focuses on reviewing the first year of partnerships and, in particular, how they can contribute to the twin green and digital transitions, and increase Europe’s resilience. Participation is possible online or in person in Brussels.
New Era of Urban Safety & Security? SURE! - hybrid event
Seminar dedicated to urban security professionals and policy makers to learn key takeaways and recommendations from the SURE project.
WG Documents
Proposal for the Driving Urban Transitions Partnership
Attached is the approved concept for the Driving Urban Transitions Partnership.
ERRIN Input to the Driving Urban Transitions Partnership Consultation
ERRIN provided input to the public consultation to shape the European Partnership on Driving Urban Transitions.
ERRIN Contribution to the Mission on Climate Neutral and Smart Cities
Please find attached ERRIN's contribution to the Mission on Climate Neutral and Smart Cities.
ERRIN Draft Contribution to the Mission on Climate Neutral Cities
Please find attached ERRIN's first draft contribution to the Mission on Climate Neutral Cities.
Policy Recommendations - Regional R&I Ecosystems: Contributing to a competitive Europe
Going towards FP9, several reports - including the Lamy report - underlined the necessity to address the challenge of turning research knowledge into innovation and growth.
WG Related Content
Info day - Developing CitiVerse
On 23 May 2023, an Info Day is organised to present the next Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) funding opportunity for Smart and Sustainable Cities and Communities, for the topic Developing CitiVerse.
Covenant of Companies for Climate and Energy launch pledging scheme
The Covenant of Companies has launched a brand-new pledging scheme where companies, in making a pledge with our programme, commit to taking action to decarbonise. In return, they offer companies the knowledge and support they need to carry out these measures including a suite of advisory services. The second call for technical assistance is now open and the deadline for submission is 31 August 2023 18:00 CEST
Regional Innovation Valleys calls for proposals launched!
The first Regional Innovation Valleys calls for proposals under the European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) part of Horizon Europe and under the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument of the ERDF were launched by the European Commission on 17 May with an overall budget of EUR 122 million. The closing date for applying is 17 October 2023.
Call to join the Commission Expert Group on the Interim Evaluation of Horizon Europe
On 15 May, the European Commission's DG RTD launched a call for applications for the Commission Expert Group on the Interim Evaluation of Horizon Europe. The group shall gather 15 highly experienced members with the aim to provide the Commission with strategic recommendations to feed into the design of the next Framework Programme 2028-2034.
Pathways2Resilience launches Expression of Interest
The Pathways2Resilience programme has launched its Expression of Interest questionnaire. The programme will allocate €21 million across 100 regions and communities through two call cycles, while also providing them with a range of support services and capacity-building activities to support the formulation of local resilience pathways and innovation agendas. The deadline for local and regional public authorities to express their interest in the programme is 15 September.
The Intelligent Cities Challenge: Deadline extended until 31 May
The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is one of the European Commission's largest city support initiatives supporting European cities in their green and digital transitions. ICC delivers cutting-edge knowledge and support services to cities and their local economies to address two major challenges: making the transition to a net-zero economic model while enabling social inclusion and sustainable development for every EU citizen. The application deadline for cities has been extended to 31 May 2023.
Latest Updates
- By Hilary Webb
NetZeroCities report: City needs, drivers & barriers towards climate neutrality
NetZeroCities has published its report 'City Needs, Drivers and Barriers Towards Climate Neutrality.' The report draws on the experiences shared during ten focus groups facilitated by ERRIN.
- By Hilary Webb
AfterCovid-City - new global charter invites collaboration
The goal of the charter is to commit to shaping the emergent future for the role of public space for recovery in a collective way.
- By Hilary Webb
Deadline extension: CCRI call for Pilots & Fellows
The deadline to join the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) as a Pilot or Fellow has been extended to 13 May 2022.
- By Hilary Webb
More than 65 cities from ERRIN Member Regions selected for EU Cities Mission
The European Commission has announced the 112 cities selected for the Mission on climate-neutral and smart cities. Over 65 of the selected cities come from ERRIN Member Regions. Selected cities will work together to reach climate neutrality by 2030.
- By Teresa Vio
ERRIN is looking for two Climate Neutral Cities Advisors (deadline: 15 May)
ERRIN is looking for two Climate Neutral Cities Advisors to join its Secretariat! The successful candidates will work to ensure the delivery of the Horizon Europe Mission on climate-neutral and smart cities by taking part in the activities of the NetZeroCities project. The deadline to apply is 15 May.
- By Ewa Chomicz
EU R&I community providing support for Ukrainian researchers
In the context of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the ongoing war, members of the EU R&I community are mobilising efforts to support Ukrainian researchers. To engage and inspire, ERRIN members are encouraged to share information about their regional activities and initiatives in support of Ukraine's R&I ecosystem on the ERRIN website, using the tag ‘Solidarity with Ukraine’.