After months of successful critical reflection from the Intelligent Cities Challenge cities, the cities have now set their ambitions for the programme. The last 6 months also saw great achievements within the ICC community with, amongst others, the launch of the new edition of the programme, welcoming 66 Core cities, 10 Mentor cities and 44 Lead experts. The ICC community met during numerous events, from Local Green Deals (LGDs) trainings to the ICC Strategy Lab in November.
The ICC Strategy Lab was the epitome of the 6 months allowing the ICC community to gather to discuss, evaluate, and receive feedback before finalising the cities’ strategies. With 240+ participants, 30 speakers and 20 sessions, the cities gained valuable insights on their strategies and upcoming activities.
With the first phase of the programme, we also saw excellent ambitions including the planning of 182 LGDs, many ICC related discussions during external events, including a side-event during COP28. This first period of the programme also shows positive perception regarding the European quality of life. Indeed, as mentioned in a recent European Commission report, 9 out of 10 EU citizens are satisfied with their quality of life. The ICC city of Braga (Portugal) is amongst the top-ranking cities where residents are most satisfied with their living situation.
Embarking on the implementation phase
The next phase, starting now and running until February 2025, is dedicated to the implementation of the cities’ strategy and the development of, and signing of LGD partnerships. The ICC cities supported by their Lead Experts, sector and thematic experts and mentor cities, will follow the steps of signing LGDs involving local businesses, from building the case, to making the deal, and monitoring the progress.
This period will also be the moment for cities to embark in collaboration journeys with local businesses. Having them on board from day 1 of the LGD journey will only result in higher engagement rates and better results. One of the ICC Strategy City Lab’s focuses was on the importance of cities’ collaboration with businesses, utilities, civil society and with other cities.
This implementation phase will also be punctuated by online or in-person meetings. The Implementation Labs will be opportunities for cities to discuss and reflect on their progress. The cities can also use these labs to showcase their best practices and raise the challenges they have faced.
Indicative timing of next meetings
Please note that all dates are indicative and subject to changes.
- ICC Implementation Lab 1, 21 March 2024 – online
- ICC Implementation Lab 2 & Mayor Summit, 2nd half of June 2024 – in-person
- ICC Implementation Lab 3, 13-14 November 2024 – online
- ICC Closing Lab & Mayor Summit, 4-7 March 2025 – in-person
Focusing on five interrelated macro trends, the green and circular economy, energy resilience, social inclusion, platform economy, and future of work, ICC cities have a year and a half to showcase their effort and results. The ICC coordination team wishes them the best for the phase to come and congratulates them for the achievements we have seen so far.