In my work, I am inventive and creative, I think outside of the box and dare to go against the mainstream. I am sincere, reliable and motivated to support good causes selflessly. I would rather focus on others and work on common goals, than putting myself first. This will help me to be a good Lead Expert for any type of URBACT-project. I would like to coach and assist (public) organisations in developing strategies for development of diversity, equity and inclusion. It is a skill I have learned also because I myself belong to a minority, and therefor am familiar with this topic.

Through my experience with the European Regions of Gastronomy network I have been able to share my knowledge on the agricultural sector and the transition taking place in that field. Any food-related project will be in good hands with me.

Last but not least, with 30 years of experience in public administration (about half of that period I was involved in EU project as well) I als know my way around organisational development, mainly focussing on the cultural aspects of any organisation.

For me open mindedness is key, getting to know new points of views and angles, with a good sense of humour. A day without a smile simply is not an option for me!

Besides fulfilling my professional duties I spend most of my time with my teenage children and walking with our dog Pip. Further, I like a good evening out (dancing, just go out for a drink, a movie or theatre, all fine by me). I am a big football fan (#PSV EINDHOVEN) and although it says nothing of my qualities an expert for URBACT-project I would like to finish saying that I am an absolute chocolate lover (#guilty pleasure).

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Passionate about actionable solutions, I actively contribute to finance and citizen engagement in my current role as a board member of the EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities. I am keen to put my knowledge, experience and network to good use through ad hoc expert missions.

 

Funding and Finance

My expertise is based on close collaboration with cities over the years, not only as an expert, but also during my time in energy trading and crowdfunding.

Having co-founded and grown a clean energy crowdfunding platform, I have gained hands-on experience.  I have worked closely with utilities, municipalities, ESCOs and schools over the years to help them finance and implement energy transition projects. This includes a thorough understanding of all stakeholders, including cities, citizens, financiers, SMEs and others.

My previous work as an energy trader and training as an economist deepens my understanding. 

 

Engaging stakeholders

An integrated participatory approach is based on several practical steps. In my experience, peer learning and the efficient use of modern tools are prerequisites for sustainable stakeholder engagement.

In crowdfunding, we have worked closely with UNDP, UKAID, ICLEI, GIZ and others to effectively engage relevant stakeholders. I look forward to contributing to effective exchange and learning through the URBACT network.

 

Experience as an expert

Alongside my commercial work, I have regularly advised the European Commission as an expert on sustainable cities, with a focus on finance and stakeholder engagement. Examples of my work include:

- Co-authoring the Joint Research Centre's Handbook on Territorial and Local Development Strategies Chapter on Finance and Funding

- Organisation of a workshop on financing during the ESPON seminar on the 'Territorial Perspective of Green Industrialisation'

- Authoring an expert study for the Directorate-General Regional and Urban Policy on the challenges faced by Smaller Cities in Accessing Private Finance for clean energy projects

 

 

 

 

 

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Lidia Gryszkiewicz, PhD, is an innovation and impact specialist who has been helping to co-create innovative, sustainable, participatory, culturally rich, user-friendly and attractive cities and regions. She initiated and developed strategies and methodologies for muti-stakeholder urban innovation labs, as well as co-developed strategies for one-off citizen engagement campaigns. She has worked on international projects as well as local initiatives to co-develop urban sites together with their (future or existing) inhabitants, visitors and users. Her expertise ranges from participatory governance and collaborative innovation, through social innovation and impact measurement, to knowledge economy and entrepreneurship support. Lidia has worked predominantly in the fields of urban design, social cohesion, economic development, spatial planning, cultural policies and sustainable development.

Currently a Managing Director at The Impact Lab (Luxembourg), Lidia has 16+ years of strategy consulting and applied research experience spanning Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (Luxembourg), Limitless (Luxembourg), Arthur D. Little (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels), PricewaterhouseCoopers (Amsterdam), KPMG (Warsaw).

Lidia holds a PhD in innovation management from Louvain Academy (Belgium), a Master in International Business from Maastricht University (The Netherlands) and a Master in Management and Strategy from University of Lodz (Poland). She has completed the Creating Shared Value programme at Harvard Business School (USA) and the Oxford Impact Measurement Programme at the University of Oxford (UK). Lidia is also an author on topics such as innovation in urban settings, social impact measurement, or service innovation in knowledge economy, and she has served as an invited lecturer at Central Saint Martins – University of the Arts London, University of Luxembourg and the School of Public Administration at Krakow University of Economics.

Lidia has supported various European organisations (European Commission, European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), Research Executive Agency, Enterprise Europe Network) and national governments (Slovak Government's Operational Programme Research and Innovation; Ministry of Education, Research, Science and Sport of the Republic of Slovakia; Institute of Advanced Sustainability Studies / Federal Ministry of Education and Research in Germany; Luxembourg’ Ministries of Economy, Culture, Sustainable Development and Climate) in the development and/or evaluation of (inter)national policies, programs and networks. As member of the “Innovation in SMEs” Advisory Group for Horizon 2020 – The Framework Programme For Research and Innovation in Europe, Lidia was one of the first international advisors helping develop the flagship SME support programme in Europe, SME Instrument. As national delegate, she helped co-create the international innovation standards (ISO and CEN). She has worked and lived in Poland, US, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg and Asia and is able to bring an international perspective to any project.

How can I support you and your URBACT network?

1. PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE, COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION & CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT
For the last 15 years I have been helping city mayors, ministers, secretaries of state and CEOs of non-profits and large urban developers alike to create participatory governance for economies, cities and organisations. I have (co-)designed and used collaborative changemaking, co-creation, citizen participation and human-centred design methodologies to help develop strategies for national-level programmes as the cofounder of The Impact Lab. I collaborated with local authorities as well as with urbanists, heritage consultants, architects, landscape specialises, engineers, designers and developers to help collaboratively revitalise cities in social, cultural, environmental, and economic respects. Illustrative experience:

• - helped design international policymaking process in the government-supported Franco-German Future Forum
• - led the H2020 Urban Innovation Lab project that developed research-based urban innovation lab tools
• - engaged the population, experts and policy-makers in 20+ spatial planning innovation labs across 4 countries
• - co-led citizen engagement for one of the largest post-industrials sites currently being revitalised in Europe
• - co-developed citizen participation masterplan and toolbox for eleven 2022 European Capital of Culture municipalities
• - published articles on urban innovation hubs and innovation labs
• - served as global Advisor of Participatory City in London
• - invited as expert to the international 'Lab on Labs' iniatiative promoting democracy and sustainability in local settings.

 

2. SOCIAL INNOVATION
My expertise focuses on design, implementation, and evaluation of social innovation approaches, from very local initiatives to international programmes. Illustrative experience:

• - led the global Social Innovation Academy that has reached hundreds of thousands of people from 200+ countries
• - developed a methodology for a nation-wide Climate Innovation Lab commissioned by the Minister of Environment
• - developed the strategy and methodology for the first social innovation lab in Luxembourg
• - run a Limitless Innovation Bootcamp for social innovation vision & mission setting of the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers Community's Luxembourg hub.

 

3. IMPACT MEASUREMENT / MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Being trained at the Oxford Impact Measurement Programme, my approach is laser-focused on how to design any activity in a way that will deliver real and measurable improvements. I have designed strategic impact frameworks, theories of change, evaluation systems and SDG impact frameworks and reviewed countless impact claims agains EU impact criteria. Illustrative experience:

• - co-developed strategic impact framework and monitoring and evaluation programme the European Capital of Culture 2022 (cross-border programme, approx. USD 75 million budget, 19 municipalities, impact portfolio of 150+ international projects)
• - served ad independent expert for impact monitoring, evaluation and validation of hundreds of proposals, projects and programmes by the European Commission, European Education and Culture Executive Agency, Research Executive Agency, European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), national governments and more
• - trained and coached multiple officials as well as technical teams in impact monitoring and evaluation, research methods, and data collection
• - co-authored an impact assessment readiness framework featured by the Stanford Social Innovation Review.

 

4. KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY
My approach combines expertise as academic and applied researcher, consultant, entrepreneur, independent expert advisor and mentor in the topics of knowledge economy. Illustrative experience:

• - worked as independent expert for several Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) of EIT
• - subcontracted as expert for the EIT-HEI DISCO project on the development of innovation and entrepreneurship skills
• - developed knowledge economy solutions as R&D engineer with Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology
• - managed strategic projects at PricewaterhouseCoopers' Online and Knowledge Management department
• - advised clients on R&D, education & training, innovation, tech industry, human capital at Arthur D. Little (Benelux)
• - co-founded the Limitless consultancy focused on innovation skills and competences development.
• - researched service innovation capabilities development in knowledge-intensive organisations
• - served as startup mentor at the Founder Institute.

 

5. CULTURAL STRATEGIES FOR CITIES
I have co-led projects focused on the cultural programming and development of strategic concepts for heritage sites, cultural revitalisation of urban neighbourhoods, and strategies for cultural participation on municipality, regional and cross-border levels. My approach to culture is largely rooted in enabling citizen/multi-stakeholder participation in culture, social impact measurement of culture, and applying solid strategic management to culture. I have advised Ministries of Culture and Tourism, and worked with local culture and tourism clients. Illustrative expertise:

• - served as strategy advisor to Esch2022 European Capital of Culture
• - co-developed a Masterplan and Toolbox for Citizen Participation in Culture
• - trained mayors and representatives of 10+ municipalities in citizen participation
• - co-wrote a Compendium of Cultural Policies and Trends as country expert Luxembourg
• - co-created local strategies for citizen participation in culture and heritage (various cities)
• - supported the leading contemporary and modern art museum in collaboratively developing its impact strategy 2025
• - co-developed strategies for cultural and heritage sites (e.g. Centre Mosellan, a national wine experience centre, the A Possen eco-museum, the immersive Spektrum space)
• - carried out research on impact of several cultural third places
• - published on topics such as Digitising Industrial Heritage, culture and nature, or impact of culture.

 

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To be completed by the Expert.

Innovative, Circular, Social Responsible, Green and Sustainable Public Procurement.

Dr. Ronald Lievens, PhD, is an experienced professional in the field of urban innovation, focusing primarily on fostering inclusive societies and enabling a skills-based economy (which was the focal point of his PhD research). His work has also revolved around the transition from education to the labour market, with regards to curriculum design and microcredentialing. He works as a Principal Consultant for a leading Dutch consulting firm, where he actively contributes to the ongoing transition of the Dutch labour market towards a skills-based economy. His role involves understanding and adapting to the evolving demands of the job sector, enhancing workforce resilience.

For the past three years, Dr. Lievens has participated in the UIA project Passport for Work in Eindhoven which sought to streamline connections between job seekers and employers in an inclusive way. As part of this initiative, he has guided the development of a pioneering job matching platform that efficiently connects job seekers and employers, thereby maximizing potential and catalyzing growth. Ronald has also worked with the Urban Innovative Actions (UIA) initiative, offering his expertise in the "Jobs and Skills" and "Future Skills for a Green Economy" domains. He aids in implementing innovative urban projects and has contributed to research on skills forecasting for the green sector, an area increasingly critical for sustainable development and Environmental, Social, and corporate Governance (ESG).

Ronald has designed and delivered various international exchange and learning activities, showcasing his capability to manage and lead. His experience extends to working with the OECD, further broadening his understanding of transnational issues, particularly those related to equality, diversity, and inclusion. For instance, he has acted as a national expert on the topic of refugee migration and integration on several occasions.

Emphasizing an integrated and participatory approach, Ronald ensures strategies are both inclusive and impactful. He applies his academic expertise in monitoring and evaluation to assess the effectiveness of strategies, while also accounting for social and societal impact.

With a solid academic and professional background in urban innovation and a focus on jobs and skills, equality, diversity, and inclusion, Ronald offers valuable expertise and practical experience to any organization or project seeking to advance in these areas.

Dr. Pascaline Gaborit has more than 20 years of experience, in cities' Strategies, Policies, European cooperation, Capacity Building and Exchanges. She has expertise on Sustainable Urban Sustainable Design, Resilience, Civic Engagement, Climate Adaptation, Gender Equality and Culture. Pascaline Gaborit holds a PhD in political science. She is actually member of the small Think Tank Pilot4dev. www.pilot4dev.com  The objectives of the organization are to support dialogue, to design  projects for research and action, and to promote capacity building. She has experienced in URBACT methodologies: to coordinate cities' networks, and to work with local support groups

She published books and articles on resilience, climate adaptation, culture, energy, and gender equality. She was the coordinator the pilot cities network for more than 12 years and worked as an adviser for other think tanks.

She organizes, and moderates events, publishes reports and analysis, manages projects, and gives lectures at university. She is currently teaching and supervising students for the professional Master ‘Resilient Cities’ at the Free University of Brussels. She is part of the scientific or assessment committees in several programs and in European projects. She is also a dive instructor and teacher on marine ecosystems.

Pascaline currently works as expert for the project “CRIC: Climate Resilient and Inclusive Cities”. The project focuses on Early Warnings, Climate adaptation, and Disasters’ resilience strategies and participation of civil society. She is involved in other projects in different countries and regions: www.pilot4dialogue.com, www.cayoli.fr/lifeadapt, BRUD Building Resilient Urban Design

Her main books include:  ‘Climate Adaptation and Resilience: Challenges and Potential Solutions - Peter Lang Verlag. Anticipatory governance, Planning and Dialogue' 2022, ‘The strength of Culture for Development’ (2015), and ‘European and Asian Sustainable Towns’ (2016). She had published earlier a collective book on ‘Gender Stereotypes’ (2008) and another on ‘Trust in post conflict societies’ (2009) by publisher L’Harmattan.

Other publications include:

• Resilience and Climate Disaster Management in Cities: Transformative Change and Conflicts, Journal of Peacebuilding & Development, special issue, Nov. 2022,DOI 0 10.1177/15423166221128793 

• Climate Adaptation to Multi-Hazard Climate-Related Risks in Ten Cities: Ambitions and Challenges, 2022, in Climate Disaster Risk, 2022 Vol 37, 100453 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2022.100453

And the contribution to the following international reports:

• Hidden Cities Report, World Health Organization-UN Habitat, 2010

• Second Urban Climate Change Research Network (UCCRN) 2018, Assessment Report on Climate Change and Cities (ARC3-2). Contribution to chapter 2: Civic Engagement

You might say that I am a seasoned Urbact expert and fan: Since 2008 I worked as lead expert for four different Urbact networks, for several more as thematic expert, and I helped organising Urbact summer universities and festivals. I can add value to your network by designing, leading and creating innovative, interactive and playful settings. No boring plenary sessions with endless powerpoints but dynamic social working methods where people really learn and have fun.  I find it very enjoyable to work with people from diverse backgrounds and achieve results together. The challenges we face in Europe are similar, yet places are different, it is always fascinating to me to learn from each other across Europe and develop approaches that work locally. I am personally strongly motivated to contribute to positive changes in cities towards more sustainability and inclusion. This is a daunting challenge and asks for “next level” creativity, innovation and collaboration. I want to help people in cities and urban stakeholders to make such transformations happen, and I believe that I can be of value with my knowledge, skills and experience. I always go for the positive vibe, and I believe that many problems can be solved with humor, patience and real listening.   

Besides my moderation and session design skills I have broad knowledge about urban challenges, integrated and participative approaches, and European urban policy.  My main thematic expertise is in urban sustainable development and economic development: climate change, new economic development models, circular economy, energy transformation, knowledge economy. Last but not least, I love swimming, cycling, hiking, running, cooking, reading & writing!

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Fields of Expertsie

Climate adaptation, circularity, flexible planning, nature inclusiveness and affordable housing play an important role in my practice as an architect, urban designer and researcher at Temp.architecture.urbanism. In our practice we focus on social housing, urban transformations, sustainability and health care projects. We work for municipalities, provinces, ministries, housing corporations and private clients. Recently we finished our work on the transition of a hospital from a hard surface and disconnected medical machine to a green and connected health park. Currently we work on a nature inclusive neighborhood in Amsterdam focusing on ecology and rain proof measures, incorporating ecological corridors and green facades and roofs. We are also working on the third edition of our book and research project: The Flexible City. This new edition will focus on climate adaptive and circular challenges faced by sixteen different European regions and describes best practices and useful instruments. 

Urbact Experience

During URBACT III, I have collaborated closely with Lead partner Antwerp as Lead Expert for the sub>urban network. In this network city partners Vienna, Oslo, Area Metropolitana Barcelona, Brno, Dusseldorf, Baia Mare, Solin and Casoria focused on the transformation of their Postwar Urban Areas in order to make them future proof, sustainable and inclusive. For more than three years I have been involved in this network and the greater Urbact Experience. Intensely working with the LP on a successful implementation of the network. Supporting the network with methods and tools for integrated and participatory approaches, expertise for design and delivery of transnational exchange and learning activities. Also assisting all partners with work on their local action plans. My involvement also included dissemination collaborations with other networks.

What I can do for you

With over 20 years of experience in working on urban challenges across Europe with many different stakeholders I can contribute to and support your network with expertise and methods. Combining the best of both worlds with knowledge of practical solutions from my architectural practice and tools and methods for exchange from my work for URBACT and several universities. Being an open minded, creative and social person that is capable of and enjoys supporting others in their search for innovative solutions, I look forward to keep contributing to the great Urbact Experience! Maybe we can make this journey together?

Hope to hear more about what you want to get out of the Urbact Experience, Maarten van Tuijl, maarten@temparchitecture.com

Involvement in Urbact:

• Sub>urban - Reinventing the Fringe; Lead expert, Lead partner: Antwerp    
• 2nd Chance - Waking up the sleeping giants; Thematic expert, Lead partner: Naples
• Re-making the City - Online tool to promote innovative planning for the rehabilitation of underused spaces

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PROFILE
Gustav is an urban planner, with further education in intercultural communication, creative processes, and leadership. Gustav has focused on place anchored human planning as a framework for quality of life and on architecturally manifested consensus through inclusive diversity. He has an established ability to lead international teams and complex urban structures, analyzes, feasibility studies and strategies in Sweden and Europe. He has run his own and others' activities and is driven by a non-hierarchical leadership that goes from a "we" to a greater interdisciplinary community involvement together.

PUBLIC CONTEXT
Gustav has been accustomed to public contexts and appearances in various contexts and languages since childhood. He lectures regularly, has published articles and publications, participated in debates, conducted seminars, participated in international planning conferences, regularly presents major plans to the public, participates in major public citizen dialogues, has published planning documentaries and films, is accustomed to guiding and representations and has exhibited architecture at exhibitions.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Gustav is the third generation in an acclaimed architect (3 p) and journalist (2 p) family. He has grown up with values such as the importance of non-angled comprehensible information and human architecture as a framework for life. He represents the first generation who grew up with sustainability and systems thinking as a natural part from the first day of primary school. His understanding of the city is strengthened by the fact that he has lived and worked in 12 cities in 7 countries, with experience and understanding of the importance of providing "diversity side by side" in spaces. In 2017-2018, he was therefore elected to the Swedish Architects' Committee for Equality and Diversity Issues. Gustav is defined as ENFP in Myers-Briggs test (Inspirer)