On February 28th and 29th, 2024, the second transnational meeting of the URBACT In4Green network was held in Solingen with the aim of further advancing knowledge exchange activities and collaborative learning that can inspire the identification and design of local actions for the green industrial transition.
Thirty individuals affiliated with the In4Green network partners with various profiles and roles attended this second transnational meeting. From local project coordinators to elected representatives, internal stakeholders, local government officials, and external stakeholders such as companies and external public agencies, they gathered in
All attendees had the opportunity to participate in various activities primarily designed and facilitated by the Lead Expert of the network, Jose Costero. These activities included thematic working groups, peer review sessions, study visits to projects in Solingen, training activities, and skill development or training on URBACT Methodology tools.
In this way, In4Green partners were able to gain valuable information, knowledge, and skills through exchange to design their Integrated Action Plans at the local level in collaboration with their stakeholders.
Thematic Workshops
One of the main activities with more technical content was the organization of two thematic working groups. The first one focused on the circular economy and was designed and facilitated by the Ad Hoc Expert Eileen Crowley. The second working group centred on green and smart industrial parks, new green technologies, and investment attraction, and was designed and facilitated by the Lead Expert Jose Costero.
In both working groups, experts presented and explained the most relevant basic concepts, the European Union's policy framework, and some identified best practices in the field, as well as notions about the identification and involvement of stakeholders. Additionally, attendees participated in practical work sessions to facilitate the application of acquired knowledge.
Exchange Sessions
During the second transnational meeting of the URBACT In4Green network, some exchange sessions were organized among partners. One of these sessions was dedicated to peer review of the Local Baselines to receive feedback from partners for improving the initial diagnosis. Partners also had the opportunity to participate in exchanges on the status and design of URBACT Local Groups, where work with local stakeholders, and on the activities initially identified for testing at the local level.
Moreover, this second transnational meeting included the organization of the first Transfer Workshop on public-private cooperation, an opportunity for Avilés (Spain) and Sabadell (Spain) to present and share their best practices related to public-private sector cooperation and collaboration in the green industrial transition. In this session, partners could exchange ideas on transferable elements of these best practices to their local reality.
URBACT Methodology
Lead Expert Jose Costero facilitated some sessions in which partners could practically expand their knowledge of URBACT Methodology tools and concepts for sustainable and integrated urban development in
Study Visits
Taking advantage of the session organization in
URBACT In4Green Network
The URBACT In4Green network consists of 10 European cities: Avilés and
Pictures © Medienproduktion der Stadt Solingen.
