About Intelligent Cities Challenge
The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative that supports 136 cities in using cutting-edge technologies to lead the intelligent, green and socially responsible recovery. The ICC cities and their local ecosystems will be engines for the recovery of their local economy, create new jobs, and strengthen citizen participation and wellbeing.
Cities receive one-to-one strategic advice from international experts on fine thematic strands: green economy and local green deals, improving the citizen participation and the digitalisation of public administration, green and digital transition in tourism, resilience of local supply chains, up- and reskilling of the workforce. They will also be supported by transversal services on access to data, access to finance and through a marketplace full of innovative solutions.
The ICC is part of a wider EU support system that recognises the importance of delivering on the promises made by the European Green Deal, the digital strategy, and other EU policies. It looks to move towards a more digital, service-oriented and low-carbon economy, supported by a knowledge-based society, that enables circular economy systems through ‘local value loops’, evidence-based reskilling, and sustainable investments.
Intelligent
The Challenge supports the participant cities to transition to an intelligent and digital mode of governance of the local ecosystem. Stimulating citizen participation and digitization of public administration will reduce red tape and simplify interaction with businesses and SMEs. Intelligent solutions can also help improve citizen engagement.
Green
The Challenge supports the sustainable development of participating cities to meet the challenges of building a modern, resource-efficient and competitive local economy where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. The ICC will support participating cities in implementing strategies for Local Green Deals:
- greening of industry
- renewable energy
- intelligent and green logistics
- sustainable construction
- green tourism
- sustainability and resilience of the food system
- efficient water management solutions
The Challenge will foster the development of urban management strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve resource efficiency, benefitting both citizens and urban business ecosystems.
