European cities are being urged to take the ‘Digital Cities Challenge‘.
Launched this week by the European Commission, the Challenge is open to EU member states. The 15 European cities selected will receive a 14 to 18 month programme of support to help them put in place digital strategies that can ‘transform day to day life for residents, businesses, workers, and entrepreneurs’.
“The question is how quickly cities will change and embrace digital technologies – not whether they will. With the Digital Cities Challenge, the European Commission is challenging city leaders to make their cities better places to live, more productive, and more innovative,” said Markku Markkula, First Vice-President of the Committee of the Regions.
The first cut off date for leaders of cities and public bodies to pitch their proposals is 24 November.
“Whether equipping local talent with the digital skills needed to prosper in a changing workplace, developing a collaborative economy to springboard social cohesion and innovation, or implementing a smart parking policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and traffic, all proposals are welcome,” the Challenge website states.
