Transforming Europe’s communities with smart solutions
Watch the event recording here:
Presentations:
The Focus Group Smart Communities allows digital SMEs and Public Administrations from EU, national, regional and local levels to leverage the power of digital innovation to create sustainable and inclusive communities around Europe.
SMEs are, by definition, integrated into the local ecosystem. They know the players, and are well-positioned to understand the community needs. Allowing European SMEs to deploy their digital services would, in fact, create social value in the community. This is thanks to the creation of jobs, the attraction of high skilled talents and citizens´ involvement in the whole process, thus improving their democratic experience. On the other hand, Public Authorities are struggling to find trustworthy private partners to support them in the digital transformations of the spaces we live in. Hence, there is a risk of ending up locked in with big tech firms that do not often comply with EU values.
By joining forces, more than 400 million Europeans will safely embrace and participate in the digital transformation of their communities, both urban and rural areas, and benefit from the added value created by a flourishing digital innovation ecosystem.
If you represent a digital SME which is developing tailored services for public authorities or a representative of a City, Region, or Municipality looking for trustworthy digital services, you can request to join the Focus Group Smart Communities here!
During the event, DIGITAL SME discussed with representatives of the European Commission, the Committee of Regions and networks of Cities and Regions the key principles for SMEs to steer the digital transformation of European communities. Interoperability, market accessibility and the digital divide between urban and rural areas are some of the topics that were examined during the Panel.
Two sessions were then entirely dedicated to the most outstanding digital solutions that have been submitted in our digital catalogue. SMEs have pitched their smart solutions, showcasing the incredible innovation capacity of our European digital champions, as well as shared their vision on how to further enhance the collaboration with Public Authorities.
AGENDA
| 10.30 – 10.35 | Welcome by Sebastiano Toffaletti, European DIGITAL SME Alliance |
| 10.35 – 10.50 | Keynote Speeches
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| 10.50 – 11.05 | Tour de table – SMEs best practices |
| 11.05 – 11.15 | Presentation of Focus Group Smart Communities Manifesto
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| 11.15 – 11.30 | Tour de table – SMEs best practices |
| 11.30 – 12.25 | European digital champions driving the transformation of our cities and villages – Moderated panel discussion with representatives of cities and SMEs and Q&A
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| 12.25 – 12.30 | Wrap-up
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