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Europe is trying to propose an alternative way in how we use technology: both regulations and incentives seek to steer companies and users towards a more ethical, transparent and participatory use of digital tools. Innovative Action projects, funded by the Urban Innovative Actions (UIA), predecessor of the European Urban Initiative, are leading the way to a more just and inclusive digital transition in cities. What are the innovative aspects, tools and methods of these initiatives? This article explores a set of UIA projects that deploy new technologies for the greater public good in cities, under Cohesion policy.

In the past decades, European cities have been seeking for a balance between competition and collaboration. While global competition combined with public funding has accelerated innovation in science and technology, EU programmes such as the European Urban Initiative focus on supporting innovation with a collaborative logic, through sharing knowledge and experiences. City-to-City Exchange and Peer Review programmes are part of the EUI’s capacity building programmes; this article looks at how they can support cities in their digital transition path.

The journey to a digital Europe is one every city must now take. But is your city on the right track, or is it at risk of being left behind? Without the right support, the journey can be slow and with many wrong turns and dead ends.
Digital technology for cities is developing at an unprecedented rate, reshaping how cities function and how citizens interact with their environments. But how do we keep up? Even more, how can we be the drivers of this change, rather than passengers on the journey?