Networks and cities' news

Cluster development and smart specialisation at city level

The cluster approach is acknowledged as the most influential one in modern industrial policy worldwide, and the arrival of smart specialisation has emphasized its influence. But, why? How might local authorities take advantage of this momentum to enhance their role as facilitators of cluster initiatives? What new drivers are now working in the field of cluster development? This article gives us the opportunity to introduce some concepts associated to smart specialisation illustrated by examples from the In Focus network cities.

Clusters and priority domains

Migrants Perspectives 3

In each edition of its newsletter the Arrival Cities Network will present some of the LSG members through their migration stories, this is the third that has been presented so far.

How to plan for healthy and active communities: learning through ’Deep Dive’

Healthy and active communities are integral parts of a smart city – and they must be planned for. Urban planning has a crucial role in facilitating networks and providing spaces which encourage citizens to engage in physical activity. Well-designed public spaces are not only attractive additions to the streetscape, they are also incentives for people to spend time outdoors, mingle and connect.

The VITALCITIES Action Planning Network explored the possibility of tackling social exclusion through the redesign of public spaces in deprived residential areas. The project seeks to find innovative tools and low threshold infrastructure solutions for creating activity-friendly environments.

As part of the knowledge sharing & capacity building, participating cities have undergone a so called  ’Deep Dive’ process, a three-tiered approach to transnational learning and sharing best practice. Every participating city was given partners to help them understand their current strength and weaknesses in providing Physical Activity (PA), as well as to explore options for future improvement.

3 Steps of the Deep-dive approach: from self analysis to peer reviews

A JAIL IN SEARCH OF ITS DESTINY

While the city of Armagh promotes itself as "the religious capital of Northern Ireland" committed to attract visitors, the old prison, another asset in the city part of the extensive legacy of the archbishop Robinson period, is involved in a particular challenge: 

Digital cities: Amsterdam’s ecosystem of cooperation

RUnUP Lead Expert report following the opening conference in Gateshead, February 2011.

IDRIJA | Mining Town – Industrial Hub – Smart City

RUnUP organised three thematic events throughout its project lifespan in Agueda, Potsdam and Barakaldo. Event information including programmes, flyers and images are contained in this Report.