Ignacio Garcia Vega’s Post

🌍 Do you know which country has been the fourth on our Europe-wide mission.... ....to "Increase Digitalisation Awareness and Readiness of EU Communities? 🇱🇹 LITHUANIA! Today we participated in another enriching conference in the Parliament building (Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania). This key initiative, in collaboration with the European Commission and Žaliosios savivaldybės / Green Municipalities , brought together community leaders and experts to share insights on the development of comprehensive digital strategies aligned with the Digital Decade. 🎯 The goal? Empowering cities and communities to achieve their Green Deal and digitalisation objectives. 🚀💡 🔑 Notable Speakers Included: Andrius Bagdonas – Chair of the Parliamentary Group “Green Municipalities 2030” Audrius Klišonis – President of the Lithuanian Association of Municipalities (acting) and Mayor of Plungė District Municipality Ignacio Garcia Vega – Chief Innovation Officer, Serendipity Gabriela Ruseva - Project Coordinator, Living-in.eu | EuroCities Teresė Škutaitė – Head of GreenTech Hub, Lithuanian Innovation Agency Anton Nikitin – Sustainability Lead, Vilnius Municipality Arturas Jakubavicius - Lithuanian Innovation Centre Visvaldas Varžinskas - Kaunas university of Technology Vadimas Ivanovas - Head of State Data Governance Information System Division at Statistics Lithuania And many more leaders in sustainability and digital transformation! This event is part of a European-wide effort to support the digital transformation journey of local communities, designed for city representatives and decision-makers at the forefront of digital innovation. 🌱🔗 📍 Fun Fact: While Valencia holds the title of European Green Capital for 2024, Vilnius is set to become the European Green Capital in 2025! 🌿 This reinforces Lithuania’s commitment to sustainability, and today’s discussions further accelerated its digital and green transitions. Exciting times ahead for Europe's green and digital future! 🌍 #GreenDeal #DigitalTransformation #EUCommunities #VilniusGreenCapital2025 #Lithuania #Sustainability #Serendipity #GreenMunicipalities #LocalDigitalTwins

🚀 Innovators, The deadline for registering for the Living-in.EU Digital Assembly is fast approaching—September 30th! ⏳ 🌍 Join the conversation on October 9th during the European Week of Regions and Cities at the Committee of the Regions (Jacques Delors building). 🗣 As Arnis Gulbis, Director of the Riga Digital Agency, emphasizes:  "Living-in.EU is a pivotal initiative fostering digital transformation across European cities. At Riga Digital Agency, we are deeply aligned with its vision of creating sustainable, smart cities through collaborative technological innovation. Our mission is to ensure Riga leads in adopting data-driven solutions and user-centric e-services that improve everyday life for our citizens." 🌆 This year's assembly will focus on regions’ and cities’ needs for digital transformation and will provide key messages for the incoming European Commission. What are you waiting for? Be part of this insightful dialogue!https://rb.gy/6i13d7  💡   #DigitalTransformation #SmartCities #LivingInEU #EWRC #JoinBoostSustain

On Tuesday an important milestone to #JustMobility was set: the #HamburgCharter for Inclusive and Just Mobility was signed by more than 20 international organizations at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference. 📓🖋️🤝     🚈 What’s it about? The Hamburg Charter is grounded on the understanding that mobility is a basic human right and the transition to low-carbon transport systems must enable fair, dignified, safe and #sustainablemobility for all citizens!     🔍 What does it include? It includes 8 principles like “Inclusivity in Transport” or “Accessible and Climate-Resilient Infrastructure”. It also gives implementation guidelines on different levels (eg. local, national, international).     🌍 At the same time 5.400 kilometers away, our colleagues were discussing and elaborating on exactly the points mentioned in the charter with 20 experts from 12 different African countries. 🌍      💡 What’s happening? On Monday the first of three workshops on “Turning Points for Sustainable Transport in Africa” was launched in Accra, Ghana. This workshop, part of the Rethinking Transport project and hosted together with Agora Verkehrswende, focused on the crucial theme of #JustMobility.        📚 What will come next? Over the next 6 months, we will host two more workshops, delving into #Emobility and #ResilientInfrastructure. The insights from these sessions will be compiled into a comprehensive report set for publication in 2025, including extensive reviews and discussions. #WeChangeTransport (CT) Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH; Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme); Institute for Transportation and Development Policy; World Resources Institute; KfW; Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative; Verena Knöll; Cabrel Tokam; Naville Geiriseb; Amanda Ngabirano; Dennis Kange; Carly Gilbert-Patrick; Claire Birungi; Cynthia Kipsang; Anne Kamau; Kwame Odame, PhD; Juliet Adu; Stefanie Holzwarth; Helvi Meke Petrus (PhD,FCILT); Lesego Moshikaro-Amani; Dr. Gladys Moraa.M. Nyachieo

Earlier this week, we presented the results of the ‘VII Business Climate Barometer: Foreign Investment in Málaga 2024’, a report prepared by Fundación Ciedes and promoted by Málaga Open for Business office & Promálaga, part of the City's Innovation, Digitalization, and Investment Attraction Department. The report highlights the optimism of foreign companies operating in Málaga, reaffirming our city’s growing appeal as a global investment destination. Curious about the full insights? Read the complete report here: https://lnkd.in/dSJGAYQc #InvestInMalaga #Innovation #BusinessClimate #ForeignInvestment #MalagaOpenForBusiness #MálagaTechHub

🏛️𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘀, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀. The good part, which makes me very happy, is that 20 cities received the Mission Label, and among them we have also Bucharest and Suceava. 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿, we will probably have the 𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 selected to become 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗨. 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 I would like to see implemented in cities: 🇳🇱 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲, 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀, 7 multinational companies have partnered with the municipality to fight against carbon footprint reduction. Companies like Siemens have launched sustainable transport initiatives for their employees: 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗯𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀, 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴, a mix that makes transportation more nature-friendly. Another priority in Dutch cities is the 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴. The Vice-Mayor of The Hague mentioned that they invest nearly 𝟭 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝘀 in local start-ups and SMEs through public tenders for green solutions. 🇩🇪 𝗜𝗻 𝗔𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻, 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆, there are over 𝟭𝟰𝟬 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 involved, some certified as Gold, others as Basic. The Gold partners have committed to 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟯𝟬. They have also established a 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, independent but financially supported by the city hall, giving them the freedom to generate projects. 🇸🇮 The mayor of a small Slovenian city mentioned that they purchased 𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘀, used by employees until 4 PM, and afterwards they are shared with the community to reduce the carbon footprint. "Dream Big or Go Home" was his motto, emphasizing the importance of involving young people under 25. 💶 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸 is preparing 𝟮 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝘀 to support ambitious projects in European cities. The future of these investments is a mix between public and private funds, as 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 to transform cities. 🇷🇴I took pride in the national platform M100.ro, with the 𝟭𝟬 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 that will be selected at the end of the month, and with the 𝟯 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 part of the European program. Romania has been well-regarded, and the 𝗡𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗻 from this summer was appreciated 🏞️. We hope to continue on this path even 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. 🏛️𝗔𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘀, it's cold, rainy, and gloomy ☔ but the future looks bright.

Denmark #1 in European Innovation! Denmark has reaffirmed its position as a global innovation powerhouse, securing the top spot in the European Innovation Scoreboard. This achievement highlights Denmark's commitment to fostering innovation and creativity across various sectors 📈. 📊 Why Denmark Stands Out: · R&D Investment: Significant GDP allocation to research and development. · Skilled Workforce: Strong emphasis on education and lifelong learning. · Business Environment: Transparent regulatory framework and low corruption. · Collaboration: Strong ties between academia, research institutions, and the private sector. · Digitalization: Robust digital infrastructure and e-government services. · Green Transition: Leading in renewable energy and sustainable development. 📍 Opportunities for Foreign Investors: · Cleantech: Tap into Denmark’s vibrant ecosystem for wind energy, water purification, and other sustainable solutions. · Life Sciences: Leverage cutting-edge research and development with supportive regulatory framework. · Tech Innovation: Foreign tech investors can leverage Denmark’s innovation hubs, start-up incubators, and a vibrant tech community to expand operations, develop cutting-edge products, and access European and global markets. Denmark’s innovation excellence offers a unique environment for growth, collaboration, and pioneering solutions. Discover why Denmark is the leading European Innovation Hub! 👉 Read more here:https://lnkd.in/eBexXPfm #InnovationLeaders #DenmarkInnovates #InvestInDenmark #EuropeanInnovationHub #DKmeansBusiness

Neighbourhoods should be made for people, and that is why they should also have a saying🗣️ While #citizen engagement is an essential process, it is not an obvious one. As part of the #drOp project, a co-governance model was developed, to support municipalities in implementing a successful #disctrictrenovation🏘️ While waiting for the full document to be released, we invite you to explore this concept through a dedicated infographic🔎 ➡️https://lnkd.in/eRh58xzt Materahub, Ayuntamiento de Ermua, TECNALIA Research & Innovation, Housing Europe, Estonian Union of Housing Associations EKYL, Mondragon Unibertsitatea

At the Summit of the Future in #NewYork, the focus lies on our future and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (#SDGs) by 2030. Achieving the SDGs requires action from us all. And we need to act now!  Be part of this and contribute to safeguarding a better future by applying for the SDG Innovation Award 2024 through the following link: https://lnkd.in/dpzaUsK8  The award, presented by #UNIDO and The Senate of Economy Germany (Senat der Wirtschaft Deutschland), recognizes pioneers and trailblazers dedicated to the sustainability. It celebrates significant advancements in areas such as #climate and environmental protection, energy, education, and more. Apply NOW in three categories:  ✅ Companies: Innovative technological solutions and sustainable supply chains   ✅ Youth & Education: Projects, initiatives, and educational institutions committed to sustainable development   ✅ Cities, Municipalities, and Districts: Sustainable urban and regional development    Apply by 31.10.2024 ❗   The applications will be evaluated by an independent jury of experts, chaired by Ashok Sridharan, the former Mayor of the #UN City of Bonn.    We look forward to receiving your application!   #UNGA79 #OurCommonFuture #ActNow 

✨Our highly anticipated #webinar is happening #TOMORROW! Find the agenda and registration here: https://lnkd.in/dixRuifH 📅 Join us on May 23rd at 11:00 AM as we explore the #SustainableDevelopmentGoals (#SDGs) and their #transformative impact on #local #governance and #community #development. As Deputy Mayor, Jablonec nad Nisou, Czech Republic, Lenka Opočenská states: “#SDGs are a #tool to help us make sure we don't forget anything in our #strategic #planning, that puts us in the group of progressive #European #cities, and to keep #sustainability in mind at all times.” Don’t miss this opportunity to #engage with #experts and #peers dedicated to #SustainableUrbanDevelopment. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow! #SDGs #Sustainability #Webinar #LocalGovernance #CitiesForSustainability

🎥 GOOD CITIES: Building communities through sharing goods funded by Interreg Europe! 🌱 The average Westerner owns around 10,000 items, of which 80% is used less then once per month. This is what #overconsumption looks like. Through the GOOD CITIES - Interreg Europe project, city partners 🇪🇪 Association of Municipalities of Tartu County, 🇭🇺 Újbuda/Budapest, 🇫🇮Jyväskylän kaupunki - City of Jyväskylä, 🇳🇱 Municipality of Tilburg, 🇸🇪 Malmö stad, and 🇬🇷 CluBE-Cluster of Bioeconomy and Environment of Western Macedonia are reshaping unsustainable consumption patterns and urban living through the #SharingEconomy. ▶️ In this video, you’ll discover: 🔹 The key issues GOOD CITIES is addressing on the overconsumption of goods and resource waste 🔹 Our aims to create #sustainable sharing systems that reduce our environmental impact and build communities 🔹 The visions of our partner cities and regions as they transform urban living through the sharing economy. 📢 Watch our video to discover how the sharing economy can enable sustainable living, reduce waste, and build stronger communities! 👉 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dTxWS8Z2 Bax Sharing Economy consultants: Nienke de Jong, Sami Angsthelm, Johanna Reiland, François Dubreuil, Valentina Zea Bax communications and video: Jamie Coles, Caitlin Ball