The Smart Cities Marketplace has launched its second call for Discussion and Focus groups.
These Discussion and Focus groups aim to guide peer exchange and support cities in their smart development.
Two Groups are foreseen:
Discussion groups: are fora where the participants can exchange experience, cooperate, support, and discuss a specific theme. This exchange will be held as an online discussion forum through the Smart Cities Marketplace community space and guided by a Discussion group chair and a Smart Cities Marketplace team member.
Focus groups: are collaborations that actively work on a commonly identified challenge related to the transition to smart cities. Contrary to the participants of the online Discussion group fora, the participants of Focus groups meet and debate their ideas in an on-site and online discussion setting (e.g., webinar, workshop). Communication and cooperation are supported by a member of the SCM secretariat, a secretarial support team, and through the Smart Cities Marketplace community space. Focus groups can serve as a springboard for the development of concrete projects.
Who can apply?
This call for topics is open to consortia, cities, industries, SMEs, investors, researchers, and experts from the smart city community. Proposals can relate to various smart city themes. Each application will be evaluated by the Smart Cities Marketplace who will then select those which can form Focus and Discussion groups.
Applicants must be from EU member states or associated countries. Applicants cannot possess a conflict of interest (COI) where the impartial and objective exercise of the functions of the chair/ participant is compromised for reasons involving family, emotional life, political or national affinity, economic interest or any other direct or indirect personal interest. Applicants are at least 18 years old.
Existing Discussion and Focus groups can be found here.
Why should I apply?
By proposing a topic, applicants help in framing the agenda for the Discussion and Focus groups. Applicants gain visibility in the EU Smart Cities community and get a unique opportunity to exchange with their peers on the chosen topics.
How to apply
If you would like to propose a new Discussion or Focus group, please complete this EU survey. If you are interested in joining any of the existing Discussion and Focus groups, please contact the chairs directly on the Smart Cities Marketplace website.