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.
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
Addressing the European digital skills gap of Regions and Cities on AI and Big Data, now for real
ERRIN's DT4REGIONS project together with the Living-in.EU initiative under the lead of ENoLL, with the support of the Computer Vision Center, are organising a joint international online workshop on 12 October 2022 from 9:30 to 11:00 CEST. The event will take place in the frame of this year's European Week of Regions and Cities.
Driving Urban Transitions Partnership Launch Event
On 4-5 October 2022 in Brussels, the Driving Urban Transitions Partnership will be officially launched with a series of sessions and speakers. The DUT Partnership steps up the game to tackle urban challenges. ERRIN has actively participated in shaping this new partnership and has also been invited to play a role in it.
Energy and Climate Change WG Meeting - People-centric Sustainable Buildings
On 30 September from 10:30-12:00, the Energy and Climate Change Working Group will host an on-site and online event on the topic of Sustainable Buildings.
OURWAY Final Conference “Greenways, a must to sustainable tourism’
Save the date for the OUR WAY Final Conference 'Greenways, a must to sustainable tourism’ that will be held on 28th September 2022, at the European Committee of the Regions, in Brussels.
European Research and Innovation Days 2022
The European Research and Innovation Days (RiDaysEU) is the European Commission’s annual flagship Research and Innovation event. This year’s edition will take place online on 28 – 29 September.
Driving Urban Transitions Call 2022 Info Day 1
On 20 September, the first info day on the first Driving Urban Transitions Call will be organised, before the call's opening on 21 September. The event will take place online.
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
Partner Search Interreg Europe – Tuscany Region - Exchange of experiences on affordable housing enhancement
Project Title - Affordable Housing Enhancement and Regional Oversight for European Sustainability (HEROES) The project aims to equip authorities with the necessary tools and knowledge to establish a sustainable housing policy that harmonizes public and private efforts within comprehensive planning.
Express your interest in the 3rd Interreg Europe call via the ERRIN Project Development Tool
Interreg Europe's 3rd call for proposals, launched on 20 March, supports interregional cooperation projects addressing common regional development challenges. Organisations can use the ERRIN Project Development tool to express interest and find partners. The call is open until 7 June 2024.
Horizon Europe strategic plan 2025-2027 is out
On 20 March, the Commission adopted the second Horizon Europe strategic plan. The plan sets out three key strategic orientations for the EU's research and innovation funding for the last three years of the programme (2025-2027). Find out what novelties the new strategic plan brings.
Coventry University Open for MSCA PF Fellows
Marie Skłodowska Curie (MSCA) European Postdoctoral Fellowships - If you are looking to grow in your research profile, keen to boost your career prospects and ready to be part of our thriving research environment, Coventry University invites you to get in touch about suitability for the following MSCA postdoctoral European fellowships at our Coventry campus.
ERRIN joins the NEB Alliance as a founding member
On 26 February 2024, the New European Bauhaus Alliance introduced its Manifesto in Amsterdam. This Manifesto aims to help society move towards strong, climate-positive cities and communities. It wants to bring together people from different fields like engineering, economics, facility management, marine biology, industry, artificial intelligence, and others.
Marching towards FP10 – ERRIN activity update
As we enter March and approach the European R&I Days, several ERRIN activities planned for 2024 with a link to FP10 have already taken place, and more are on their way. Have a look at an update with the outcomes of our recent work on the next European Framework Programme for R&I, next steps and opportunities to get involved.
Latest Updates
- By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha
Call for expression of interest for members of the 4 JTP working groups (DG REGIO)
The Commission has launched the Just Transition Platform (JTP) to assist MS and regions to unlock the support available through the Just Transition Mechanism. An important part of this new instrument is the exchange with stakeholders on the just transition in carbon-intensive regions. To shape this exchange, DG REGIO has launched a Call for expression of interest for members of the JTP working groups.
- By Ewa Chomicz
Management Board elections 2021 – call for nominations launched!
Every year ERRIN holds elections for the Management Board. You can put forward your candidature for this year’s elections until 18 October.
- By Hilary Webb
Introducing NetZeroCities: ERRIN to play a key role in the journey towards climate-neutral cities
As a partner in the NetZeroCities project – the project selected to support cities as they drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions through climate action to achieve climate neutrality – ERRIN will work closely with its members to support them in achieving their climate neutrality goals.
- By Hilary Webb
Five Horizon Europe Missions launch
The European Commission has today launched its five Horizon Europe Missions as a new way to work towards ambitious goals related to health, the climate and the environment by 2030. Read about the announcements and ERRIN's work on the Missions so far.
- By Heidi Johansson
Handbook on implementation and adoption barriers of urban living labs developing nature-based solutions
Developing Urban Living Labs is a relatively novel approach in urban areas, and consequently, there are many challenges and barriers that cities face during ULL adoption. This handbook, developed by the UNaLab project, aims to identify and explore some common barriers to the adoption of Urban Living Labs, and provide cities with a tool and an understanding of how to strategically address these barriers.
- By Hilary Webb
Consultation on education & training for environmental sustainability
Individuals and organisations from international, European, national, regional and local levels are invited to give their feedback on the European Commission's proposal on education for environmental sustainability.