The kick-off meeting of the European project iPLACE took place on 13 and 14 July. iPLACE is a European cooperation network funded by URBACT III, in which 10 cities will share experience to define their economic development strategies, based on public participation, innovation, local resources and sustainable development. The project is led by the Portuguese city of Amarante and was drafted by CREA 360 SL.
The iPLACE partners are Amarante (Portugal), Gabrovo (Bulgaria), Medina del Campo (Spain), Pori (Finland), Balbriggan (Ireland), Grosseto (Italy), Saldus (Latvia), Heerlen (Netherlands), Bistrița (Romania) and Kočevje (Slovenia). They will work together as a network for 24 months, deepening their understanding of their local economic histories and their potential for future economic development.
The project is also expected to add value by giving partners the chance to learn more about the global economic trends that will affect their cities. These include the radical change brought about by the COVID-19 crisis; the transition to a low-carbon economy; the impact of technology on work, specifically remote working, together with the growing automation of manufacturing processes and services; and the core elements of local ecosystems that enable innovation and support entrepreneurship.
iPLACE addresses the challenge facing local economies in small and medium-sized cities in a globalised world, and will therefore work to strengthen local capacity to adapt to change and create innovation ecosystems based on local resources.
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