Networks and cities' news

Guiding Youth Towards Inclusive Innovation: The Role of InformaGiovani Arezzo

In Arezzo, a city in the heart of Tuscany, supporting young people means much more than providing information. It means building bridges between youth aspirations and real opportunities in education, work, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Since its creation in 1993, InformaGiovani Arezzo, the Municipal Youth Services Centre and Youth Business Hub, has grown into a well-recognised reference point for inclusion and empowerment — and today, it stands out as a case example in the URBACT TechDiversity network.

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?
 

Empowering Women and Young Innovators in Bielsko-Biała through TechDiversity

As part of the TechDiversity network, we spoke with Patrycja Węgrzyn, Senior International Project Specialist at the Regional Development Agency (ARRSA) of Bielsko-Biała, Poland to learn how her team is fostering a more inclusive and innovative tech ecosystem. The conversation highlighted the development of the "HerStory in IT" initiative, the role of FabLab, and how local collaboration is shaping the city’s digital future.

TechDiversity project: Network Exchanges, Learning Activities and more…

Intro 

TechDiversity is an URBACT network of eight partners representing small and medium-sized European cities, that aim to boost and facilitate diverse local communities that are not active in Tech & Digital sector, facing specific challenges in terms of diversity, gender equality and inclusion. Furthermore, the partner cities will mainly focus on an identified pressing aspect and will support at least one diverse local group in each of the participating cities, through the action plans. 

Tech and Tradition in Slovenia: How ID20 is Transforming Idrija's Cultural Heritage

In an era of rapid technological change, balancing innovation with the preservation of cultural heritage is not so easy. In Idrija, a small city of Slovenia which is also an UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its mercury mine, the IDRIJA 2020 (ID20) Association is charting a path that combines entrepreneurship, digitalization, and community engagement. This initiative, founded in 2011, has become a regional catalyst for innovation, especially in its efforts to retain young talent in the rural area.

At the heart of the association is the ambition to use technology and entrepreneurial opportunities to breathe new life into Idrija’s rich cultural heritage. ID20 recognizes cultural heritage as "unpolished diamonds"—assets that, when integrated with modern technology, can spark entrepreneurial ventures and community growth.

Following, is the interview with Drejc Kokošar, project coordination of ID20.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Romania: The Role of RDCC in Shaping the Tech Ecosystem

In today’s fast-paced digital world, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is more critical than ever for the growth and sustainability of businesses, particularly in the tech sector. The Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce (RDCC) has taken a leading role in integrating these values across Romania's business landscape. By supporting both startups and established companies, RDCC provides tools, resources, and opportunities to ensure that underrepresented groups have a strong presence and equal opportunities in the tech ecosystem. Through various initiatives, the RDCC is helping build a more inclusive future in the technology industry.