Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is reshaping how cities operate, deliver services and engage with their communities. When used strategically, digital technologies can improve public services, strengthen local economies, support the green transition and make city governance more transparent, efficient and participatory.

The URBACT Knowledge Hub on Digital Transformation brings together good practices on the subject from European cities. Discover the latest trends, learn from pioneering cities and find practical tools to support your digital transition.

Output

10 times has led digital transition - COVER

10 times URBACT has taken the leap towards digital

Throughout the years, URBACT has led the way to a just digital transition. The experience from

Output

Women using her phone to take a picture at the Tallinn URBACT City Festival

Digital Transition in cities – how can it benefit citizens?

Take a trip down memory lane with us. Re-discover stories and reflections that we've captured over

Policy framework

In 2021, the European Commission has proposed a Path to the Digital Decade, a concrete plan to achieve the digital transformation of our society and economy by 2030. The European Digital Strategy comprises three streams of action to translate the EUʼs digital ambitions: technology that works for people; an open democratic and sustainable society; and a fair and competitive digital economy.

The New Leipzig Charter emphasises the central role of digital in transforming urban economies and societies: Digital solutions can deliver innovative and high-quality services to the public and businesses. These include smart urban mobility, energy efficiency, sustainable housing, public services, retail, supply of daily goods and civic-led governance.

Over the last 15 years, URBACT cities have approached their digital transition as a means of driving change in cities. Whilst some cities are clearly embracing change, others still find it hard to see how tech and digital issues are relevant to their work in general.

URBACT supports cities in their digital transitions in many ways:

By offering capacity-building and support to URBACT cities
By organising exchange of knowledge and good practices among European cities of all sizes

As for the skills needed to move towards more digital cities, URBACT has also contributed to the Digital Skills Map platform, as an outcome of the Urban Agenda Partnership on Jobs and Skills, presenting local know-how on digitalisation in vocational education and training.