Networks and cities' news

Tech and Digital Diversity ecosystems in EU Cities: How Eight European Communities Are Building Inclusive Tech Futures

Technology is changing our world—and even small cities are stepping up to make sure that change includes everyone. Across Europe, eight communities—Trikala and Psahna in Greece, Idrija in Slovenia, Arezzo in Italy, Bielsko-Biała in Poland, Larnaka in Cyprus, Amarante in Portugal, and Bucharest District 6 in Romania (the biggest one among all) — are leading the way in building diverse, open, and inclusive digital and tech ecosystems. This article details their achievements, challenges, and audacious plans to build a more equitable digital future for everybody.

Under the umbrella of the URBACT TechDiversity network, eight cities confront a key question: How can they facilitate inclusive, innovative, and resilient tech digital economies that serve all residents—not just a privileged few?
 

From Concept to Impact: Hands-On Approaches to Digital and Industrial Innovation

Digitisation and industrial innovation are profoundly transforming our cities, opening new avenues for economic and urban development. 

Hydro-Heritage Cities Journal no. 1

Celebrating urban biodiversity that provides great benefits for cities and citizens

Spring and the Summer was really loud in BiodiverCity partner cities as they organised BiodiverCity Festivals celebrating urban biodiversity. Tree plantations, guided tours, promotion of monumental trees, forest bathing, craft workshops, art exhibitions, cultural programmes and interactive activities promoting biodiversity were organised for all generations in 10 corners of Europe. Urban green areas are indeed great assets to engage residents and explain the benefits of nature (the so-called ecosystem services). However, while thousands of residents actively participate in tree plantations, which is great, fewer people are aware that most of these ecosystem services are provided by mature trees. And in many parts of Europe, they face serious challenges like never-before-seen droughts, increased pollution (traffic, dogs, humans) and neglect by public utility companies when earthworks are needed.

Read our Quarterly Network Report 6 summarising the learning journey of the BiodiverCity URBACT Action Planning Network between April and June 2025

Green transition – this is what YOU can do every day!

Biodivercity case study 14 - Creating urban wild life and green corridors for the benefit of nature and people

Urban areas might harbor high diversity of species. Urban landscapes can be, for instance, especially valuable for pollinators and shelter a relatively high pollinator diversity compared to monoculture-dominated agricultural landscapes due to the high variety, availability, and temporarily even distribution of floral resources. Conservation within urban areas can be essential for many species and, of course, beneficial for residents for multiple reasons through the ecosystem services green areas provide. 

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