METACITIES

The METACITIES project connects diverse MetaCity and Smart City ecosystems across the Baltic Sea Region, fostering collaboration among global thematic leaders, followers, urban capital areas, and rural regions. This new urban paradigm intertwines with digitalization to redefine city living.

The project aspires to establish the EU Baltic Sea Region as a leading innovation hub, focusing on collaboration, ecosystem strengthening, joint action planning, and aligning regional ambitions with funding opportunities. Utilizing Task Forces, Living Labs, and Working Groups, METACITIES employs the Double Diamond design process to iterate a joint action plan.

METACITIES prioritizes inclusivity through Living Labs, employing methods like WIBGI and A/B testing, alongside Working Groups that refine ideas, expanding the Penta-Helix model to include social entrepreneurs. The process involves regional engagement events, FAIR data principles, and an inclusive approach, targeting public and private sectors, universities, and civic society.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) measure the project's impact, focusing on ecosystem engagement, inclusion and diversity, and Joint Action Plan performance. METACITIES aligns with Smart Specialization Strategies to reduce territorial inequalities, enhance collaboration, and promote gender equality in innovation ecosystems.

EIT Digital plays a crucial role, connecting METACITIES to European ICT innovation and supporting startups. The project targets diverse groups in dissemination, exploitation, and communication activities, aiming to position the Baltic Sea Region as a leading Connected MetaCity region.

• BSR Networks Collaboration: Engaging key Baltic Sea Region networks.
• Upcoming Events: Promotion at various events across Europe.
• Communication Channels: Leveraging multiple channels for dissemination.
• Expected Impact: Positioning BSR as a leading innovation hub.

• Structure: 4 work packages, 14 tasks, coordinating partners and stakeholders.
• Focus Areas: Knowledge Base (WP2), Ecosystem Dialogue (WP3), Joint Action Plan (WP4).
• Objectives: Transform opportunities into action, secure regional and EU co-funding.
• Key Actions: Stakeholder engagement via Living Labs, creation of Opportunities Catalogue, finalize and launch Joint Action Plan.
• Collaboration: Engaging with EIE sister projects, aligning with BSR-level funding.

• Deliverables: Project Handbook (WP1), D&E&C Plan (WP1), MetaCity Knowledge Base (WP2), Opportunities Catalogue (WP3), Joint Action Plan (WP4).
• Milestones: Stakeholders Engaged (WP2, M3), Co-funding Secured (WP4, M10), Cross-Regional Funding (WP4, M10), JAP Launch (WP4, M10).
• Risks Mitigation: Non-performing partner addressed via EITD, early detection of delays through risk management, effective communication.
• Resourcing: Regional Living Labs and Task Forces, analysis support by UNI-OULU and EITD, PM resources allocated based on responsibilities.
• Costs: Total Person-Months: 58.5; EITD leads with 13.5 PMs, purchase costs: €41,350.
• Consortium Expertise: Five regional and two expertise partners, strong innovation ecosystem facilitation, synergies between Structural Fund and Horizon funding.
• MetaCity Development: Established ecosystems in Oulu and Riga, Smart City collaboration, Quadruple Helix and Penta-Helix stakeholder engagement.

• METACITIES is a 10 month project.
• The project launched on November 1, 2023.

METACITIES project aims for effective MetaCity ecosystem development through strategic planning, risk management, and collaboration, envisioning a transformative impact on urban living.