Ed Thorpe

Summary

I am an expert in European networking and knowledge exchange, the URBACT method, communications and integrated approaches to sustainable urban development. I offer networks and cities a broad range of relevant skills and experiences to support their URBACT journeys.  

I have worked closely with the URBACT programme since 2018, including as co-moderator of the 2022 URBACT City Festival and lead author of two studies of the Integrated Action Plans (IAPs) of URBACT cities (2023+2019).

I was also engaged as an expert trainer on integrated approaches to SUD at a European Urban Initiative (EUI) capacity building event for cities and hope to have the opportunity to support URBACT IV cities to deliver stronger and more integrated IAPs based on the lessons of the two studies.

Previously, under URBACT III, I was mobilised as an Ad Hoc Expert for the BeePathNet-Reloaded network, supporting the planning and creation of the new Bee Path Cities network, which now sits within the URBACT Knowledge Hub on food.

I have also worked for several years on communications contracts for both URBACT (2019-2022) and the European Urban Initiative (2022-2024) giving me an excellent and broad understanding of both. My work covered the development, implementation and monitoring of communications strategies, particularly the planning and production of written content for both web and printed media.

More broadly, I have worked in European networking and knowledge exchange since 2002, in roles covering policy work, communications, moderation, event planning, monitoring and evaluation - and covering diverse policy sectors such as urban development (URBACT, EUI, UAEU), rural development (ENRD, SmartRural21), education and training (ETF, PES Network), anti-poverty and homelessness (EAPN, FEANTSA), energy, climate change, and nature protection (LIFE+, CEMR).

I have co-authored an organisational Knowledge Manifesto and a new methodology for measuring knowledge uptake and have a strong understanding of the process, opportunities and challenges of transferring good practice in Europe.

I hope to have the opportunity under URBACT IV to support Europe's towns and cities to network and exchange effectively, transfer good practice and develop stronger and more integrated action plans, confirming the specific added value of the URBACT Programme.