The first webinar explored city-level actions in the fight against COVID-19 and their plans for post-corona recovery. The COVID-19 crisis has introduced new health and economic challenges which are putting at stake the livelihoods of citizens everywhere. The webinar introduced an overview of the European Commission’s response to the crisis and painted a picture for the current situation in Europe. Experts from three European cities – namely Helsinki, Espoo and Nice – presented best practice examples of their cities’ measures to address the COVID-19 crisis, with a focus on the role of technology and innovation. The webinar also explored the role of the digital hubs to help SMEs and public administration to cope with COVID-19 crisis.
Introduction and overview of the European Commission response
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Dana Eleftheriadou, Head of Advanced Technologies Team, European Commission, DG Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs
An overview to COVID-19 in the EU
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Sven Smit, McKinsey & co. – An overview to COVID-19 in the EU, city-driven responses to economic impacts
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Angela Spatharou, McKinsey & co. – City-driven responses to health risks and managing a city in a crisis
Cities in the fight against COVID-19 and planning the post-corona recovery
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Federica Bordolet, Eurocities
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Mikko Rasuma, City of Helsinki
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Veera Vihula, Petri Hakkinen & Satu Laukkanen, City of Espoo
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Sebastien Viano & Alain Château, City of Nice / Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur
The role of Digital Innovation Hubs
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Andrea Halmos, European Commission, DG CNECT
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Emilija Stojmenova, 4PDIH - Slovenia Digital Innovation Hub
The webinar was moderated by Dana Eleftheriadou, Head of Advanced Technologies Team, European Commission, DG Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs.