Smart Cities Marketplace

🗣️ 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – #ScalableCitiesCafe ☕ Citizen engagement is more than just participation—it's about building 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁, 𝗳𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀, and creating 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 with citizens at the center of the city's transformation. At the latest 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗳𝗲́, experts Bojan Schnabl, PhD (City of Vienna) and Jörgen Lööf (ElectriCITY Innovation, Stockholm) shared powerful examples of how to turn engagement into lasting impact. 💡 𝙆𝙚𝙮 𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨: ✔️ Trust & Dialogue: A strong foundation of trust and continuous dialogue enables cities and citizens to co-create effective climate and energy strategies. ✔️ Practical Participation: From energy managers in Stockholm housing associations to participatory school renovations in Vienna, engagement works when it's real, relevant, and tangible. ✔️ Strategic Governance: Vienna’s long-standing institutional approach proves that governance models must evolve alongside citizen needs—through funding, inclusive decision-making, and continuous learning. 🔍 𝙎𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨: 🏢 Stockholm (Hammarby Sjöstad): Citizens co-invested in sustainable housing upgrades, leading to a 50% reduction in bought energy. ElectriCITY’s model of “campfire meetings” and bottom-up initiatives continues to inspire. 🏙️ Vienna: Through projects like Smarter Together and WieNeu+, the city engages citizens in urban renewal, energy transition, and circular economy by pairing technical upgrades with community-driven action. 🌟 𝙇𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙩: • 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: from city officials to residents . • 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀: engagement needs stable institutions, clear funding, and policy alignment. • 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 (𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹): when citizens see real benefits, from lower energy bills to empowered neighborhoods, participation becomes self-sustaining. 📅 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻? 📺 Watch the full recording: https://lnkd.in/eDCHMvdU 📄 Discover more about the Citizen Engagement Café: https://lnkd.in/e8Zr45rP 💬 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴! Are you working on citizen engagement in your city? Share your experience or drop your questions below 👇 #ScalableCitiesCafe #CitizenEngagement #UrbanTransformation LYON CONFLUENCE, Energy Cities, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, GNE Finance, ASCEND Project, AtelierH2020, COMMUNITAS project, ExPEDite project, Green Deal ARV, InterPED, MAKING-CITY EU, NEUTRALPATH project, oPEN Lab, RESPONSE, TIPS4PED, NetZeroCitiesEU, POCITYF

📬 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 POCITYF'𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻! From waste reduction to renewable energy communities, discover how #Alkmaar and #Évora are accelerating the energy transition. #EUSmartCities #EnergyTransition #LighthouseCities #SustainableUrbanDevelopment #CleanEnergy #Innovation LYON CONFLUENCE, Energy Cities, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, GNE Finance, CINEA - European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency, ASCEND Project, AtelierH2020, COMMUNITAS project, ExPEDite project, Green Deal ARV, InterPED, MAKING-CITY EU, NEUTRALPATH project, oPEN Lab, RESPONSE, TIPS4PED, NetZeroCitiesEU, REFORMERS Energy Valleys - Horizon Europe, BIPED Energy

Heating and cooling in European homes and offices still relies too much on fossil fuels without high enough efficiency. Buildings are overheating in summer, burning too much gas in winter, and missing opportunities to exploit waste heat and renewables. There’s a better way: modern district heating and cooling (DHC) networks that are running on clean energy, bolstered by digital tools to increase efficiency! Join the session ‘Future-Proof District Energy: Digital, Efficient & Renewable DHC Networks’ to explore how cities are upgrading: ✅ Next-generation networks – From 3rd to 5th generation DHC (paolo cresci, ARUP) ✅ Tapping into underused energy sources (Giulia Spirito, Politecnico di Milano) ✅ Digital solutions – Smarter, more efficient heating and cooling with tools like THERMOS (Lewis McNamee, CSE) Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/e2tzua_C Co-organised by Euroheat & Power and ICLEI Europe, within the EU Smart Cities Marketplace Focus Group on Renewable Heating and Cooling, in partnership with #SupportDHC. #SmartEnergy #DistrictEnergy #HeatingAndCooling #SustainableCities #EnergyEfficiency #ClimateAction

🚗 The State of European Smart Cities: Digitalisation as a Key Driver for Urban Transition 🏙 How can cities harness digital innovation to create cleaner, more efficient environments? Espoo, Finland, offers an inspiring answer. As part of the SPARCSeu project, Espoo leveraged Digital Twin technology to optimise energy use and improve decision-making. Key components: 🔑 Energy optimisation at the Sello commercial centre through 3D data mapping ⚡ Use of buildings as heat storage systems and integration of photovoltaic panels 🏙 Potential for scalable smart solutions that reduce pollution and balance renewable energy production 🎥 Watch the video to discover how Espoo is driving urban transformation with cutting-edge digital tools. Click here to watch 👉  https://lnkd.in/e-dvg7Xw #SmartCities #DigitalInnovation #EnergyTransition #DigitalTwins #ScalableCities #CleanEnergy #ClimateNeutral

We welcome the Zentrum für Digitale Entwicklung GmbH aboard the Smart Cities Marketplace as a solutions provider! 🚀 ZDE brings a wealth of expertise in digitalising cities, regions, and organisations. Their innovative projects, #sustainable solutions, and commitment to knowledge transfer make them valuable to our community. With experience consulting German Smart Cities and Smart Regions and involvement in European #innovation projects, ZDE is well-equipped to drive the future of smart cities. At the Smart Cities Marketplace, we offer solution providers the opportunity to showcase their services and products. Our supporters, like ZDE, have signed a declaration of honour and bring their expertise and experience to the Marketplace. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ehc7anWQ #EUSmartCities

🎉 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 ITHAKE 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝟮𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁! 🚀 Their innovative solution will help Dijon métropole engage residents in reducing CO₂ emissions, supporting the city's carbon neutrality strategy. Through this RESPONSE initiative, Dijon serves as a real-life testing ground for startups and SMEs, paving the way for scalable climate solutions. 🌍 #CarbonFootprint #InnovationChallenge #ClimateAction #EUSmartCities #Sustainability #UrbanInnovation LYON CONFLUENCE, Energy Cities, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, GNE Finance, CINEA - European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency, ASCEND Project, AtelierH2020, COMMUNITAS project, ExPEDite project, Green Deal ARV, InterPED, MAKING-CITY EU, NEUTRALPATH project, oPEN Lab, TIPS4PED, NetZeroCitiesEU, POCITYF, REFORMERS Energy Valleys - Horizon Europe, BIPED Energy

📢 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻-𝗻𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀! Your input will help bridge the gap between urban innovation and effective procurement, ensuring that cities move beyond pilot projects and successfully implement large-scale smart solutions. 🔍 The results will be published in collaboration with leading European experts in a report by the European Commission. #EUSmartCities #InnovationProcurement #PublicProcurement #ScalableCities #SustainableInnovation LYON CONFLUENCE, Energy Cities, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, GNE Finance, CINEA - European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency, ASCEND Project, AtelierH2020, COMMUNITAS project, ExPEDite project, Green Deal ARV, InterPED, MAKING-CITY EU, NEUTRALPATH project, oPEN Lab, RESPONSE, TIPS4PED, NetZeroCitiesEU, POCITYF, REFORMERS Energy Valleys - Horizon Europe, BIPED Energy

Exciting news! The calls for C4T Working Groups and Groundwork technical assistance are now open! 🚀 C4T Working Groups Collaborate with public authorities across the EU on Climate, Energy, and Environment. Exchange best practices, co-develop solutions, engage with experts, expand your network, and participate in field trips. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e9dQRi6g C4T Groundwork Technical Assistance: Focus areas include energy efficiency, renewable energy, climate adaptation, smart energy grids, water management, circular economy, and nature and biodiversity. Our support services cover strategy development, monitoring, stakeholder engagement, funding opportunities, call preparation, and capacity building. 📚 Check out the C4T technical assistance catalogue. Selected applications launch in May 2025.

💡 The State of European Smart Cities: Regulatory Activism 🌍 What does it take to lead the clean energy transition? In Trondheim, Norway, regulatory activism played a crucial role. As a +CityxChange Lighthouse City, Trondheim broke new ground by gaining permission from national energy regulators to operate open energy and flexibility markets in Brattøra and Sluppen. This milestone enabled the creation of two Positive Energy Blocks, setting the stage for scalable smart energy innovations. Key highlights: 🔑 Collaborative governance involving public, private, and academic sectors helped overcome regulatory challenges ⚡ Policy brief development to update outdated energy regulations 🏙 Scalable Positive Energy Blocks as a model for future transformation 🎥 Watch the video to explore how Trondheim overcame regulatory barriers to help lead Europe’s smart city revolution. Click here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eEjrtEBr

Do you have a climate action plan but need help implementing it? Our technical assistance will help you! We're teaming up with the Covenant of Mayors - Europe to offer municipalities 20 days of 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 tailored expert support to overcome barriers to implementation. Event Details 🗓️ Date: 17 March 2025 🕒 Time: 11:00 - 11:45 CET   What to Expect Over 45 minutes, you'll get an overview of the support offered, learn about the application process, and have the opportunity to ask questions. Representatives from the EU Covenant of Mayors and the Smart Cities Marketplace will guide the session, sharing examples of successful technical assistance and the wide range of support available (legal, financial, governance, and technical). Who Should Attend? This session is perfect for small and medium-sized cities and towns, especially EU Covenant of Mayors signatories. Note: Signatories covered by other regional offices (Covenant East, Balkans, Turkey) won’t be considered. 🔗https://lnkd.in/eUB-VPkH