The 3P4SSE – Public-private-partnership for Social and Solidarity Economy, project continues to make strides in strengthening the social and solidarity economy (SSE) across Central Europe. The recent Peer Review in Trento, hosted by the Autonomous Province of Trento (PAT) and Trentino Federation of Cooperation (FTC), served as a vital platform for experience exchange and collaborative evaluation of Trentino’s Local Action Plan (LAP).

With 24 participants, the Peer Review brought together key project partners, including PRIZMA, DOPS, PBN, and ALDA+, alongside stakeholders from the Municipality of Poljcane, Consolida, Trentino Social Tank, and Euricse. Their collective expertise and engagement played a crucial role in reviewing the LAP and identifying areas for enhancement.

The two-day event focused on three main intervention areas of the LAP:

• Mapping the current state of solidarity economy districts (DES) to assess strengths, challenges, and opportunities.
• Creating an SSE Forum to enhance collaboration and governance within Trentino’s SSE ecosystem.
• Increasing Awareness among stakeholders and communities about the role and benefits of DES.

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On the first day, participants visited “Le Formichine”, a cooperative supporting employment for disadvantaged women at risk of social marginalisation. Established in 2009, this initiative showcases how SSE fosters inclusion and economic opportunities through partnerships between Famiglia Materna, the Cooperativa Sociale Punto d’Approdo, and local public authorities.

Another inspiring visit took place at Orto in Bosco, an agricultural and food processing project focused on organic production, social inclusion of NEETs, and sustainable food innovation. This initiative highlights how SSE can drive environmental sustainability while creating employment for vulnerable groups.

The day concluded at Campana dei Caduti, a symbolic location promoting peace and social cohesion, where discussions centred on solidarity economy governance and sustainability strategies.

The second day focused on interactive discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions, leading to key recommendations for strengthening the LAP.

• Enhancing communication among DES actors and stakeholders to improve collaboration.
• Clarifying roles and responsibilities within the SSE ecosystem for better coordination.
• Developing a sustainability plan to ensure long-term viability of DES.
• Leveraging the Mapping process to guide future actions and policy recommendations.

The mapping process led by FTC, with Euricse’s support, is already yielding valuable insights, with 13 stakeholder interviews conducted in Vallagarina, Fiemme, and Valsugana. These findings will directly inform the next phase of LAP implementation and help shape strategic actions for strengthening DES governance and impact.

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A Blueprint for replicability in other regions

Beyond Trentino, the Peer Review highlighted the transferability potential of the LAP approach:

• The Mapping methodology can be adapted to other regional contexts to assess and improve DES structures.
• The Toolkit under development will provide practical guidance for setting up and managing DES in diverse territories.
• The DES Forum model could be replicated at both regional and transnational levels to foster peer learning and policy alignment.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening the SSE Ecosystem

The 3P4SSE Peer Review in Trento has been a pivotal step in advancing the SSE agenda in Central Europe. By fostering cross-border collaboration, promoting innovative governance models, and supporting policy reforms, the project is paving the way for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable social economy.

Stay tuned for further updates as we continue working towards a stronger SSE network across Europe!

Municipalities Experimenting with Digital Innovation, Upskilling and the Metaverse

The project aims to educate on the use and potential of new digital technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and the metaverse. It will support the development of digital skills within the public sector, contributing to its ongoing digital transition while promoting innovation and accessibility to public services. The municipalities involved are encouraged to reflect on how to leverage these new digital technologies to further enhance their services, explore new solutions to social issues, and improve citizen engagement in decision-making processes.

Focusing on technologies expected to play a key role in the coming years, the project includes training activities designed to equip public officials with the tools to understand an ever-evolving digital landscape and to improve the level of digitisation within their working environments.

The project’s goal is not only to lay the foundation for innovative public services delivered partially or entirely through digital tools and immersive technologies but also to experiment with new ways of involving citizens in decision-making. This approach allows citizens to interact directly with local authorities through digital spaces, offering opportunities to provide feedback, ask questions, and engage with both elected and non-elected officials.

Leader

ALDA+

PartnerS

• University Services Center Vicenza srl
• Etterbeek Municipality
• Lousada Municipality

Contacts

projects@alda-europe.eu

Promoting Fundamental Rights and Inclusive Education in European Schools through Gamification

In today’s digital generation, gamification has become a popular strategy for encouraging specific behaviors and enhancing motivation and engagement to acquire knowledge and skills. While commonly used in corporate marketing strategies, it is now being implemented in many educational programmes, including the professional development of teachers across various subjects. VALUEBOX aims to equip teaching staff with the tools to build inclusive, high-quality education and foster the European dimension of teaching in secondary schools, which is essential for creating and maintaining a cohesive European society:

• R1 – Competence Framework for Teachers (COFT)
• R2 – Gamified Self-Assessment and Recommendation Tool for Teachers (SERT)
• R3 – Gamified Open Online Course for Teachers (OOC)

The main objectives of VALUEBOX include promoting social inclusion and improving access for individuals with fewer opportunities, including those with a migrant background; monitoring teaching skills related to social, civic, intercultural, and shared values; and enhancing teachers’ competencies to raise awareness and understanding of the European Union context, particularly regarding the EU’s common values, and the principles of unity and diversity.

Leader

ALDA+

Partners

• International Institute for Human Rights & Peace
• The Square Dot team
• Valencian International University
• Çiğli Science High School
• Innomate Ldt. (TR)
• Guglionesi Omnicomprehensive Institute

Contacts

projects@alda-europe.eu

Enhancing governance Capacities of Local authorities using Open Data

Data is the cornerstone of territorial governance in the digital age, yet public authorities often lack the necessary skills to fully harness this valuable resource. At the same time, the extensive experience of civil society and the private sector in the technological field remains underutilised in addressing urban challenges.

The EnCLOD project was created to bridge this gap by fostering collaboration between local authorities, civil society, and the private sector across five countries (Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic).

The goal is to improve local governance by training public officials on topics such as Open Data, the Internet of Things, and Digital Twins. Additionally, the project partnership is committed to developing technological action plans and actively involving communities through participatory initiatives, such as “hackathons.”

The EnCLOD project is funded by the European Union’s Interreg Central Europe programme.

Website

Social Media

Contacts

beatrice@alda-europe.eu

GreenScape CE is excited to introduce the interactive DIY Guide for Citizens on Implementing and Funding Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and Green Infrastructure (GI)! This engaging guide is designed to empower individuals and communities across Central Europe to transform their spaces, balconies, gardens, or neighborhoods, into thriving green oases.
Whether you’re looking to combat climate challenges, improve air quality, or simply enjoy the therapeutic benefits of greenery, this guide is your ultimate companion. Let’s dive into what it offers!

Why This Guide?

European cities face a common challenge: many residents are unaware of the immense benefits of green infrastructure. This guide addresses that gap by:

• Educating citizens about the free services plants provide, from improving air quality to reducing stress.
• Offering simple, practical solutions adaptable to gardens, balconies, or even urban courtyards.
• Inspiring individuals to work with municipalities for greener public spaces.

 What’s Inside?

The guide is packed with actionable tips and resources to help you start your green journey. Here’s a sneak peek:

Benefits of Green Spaces

Learn how plants contribute to:

•  Microclimate regulation
• Air purification
•  Stress reduction and mental health
• Food production
•  Increasing property value

Step-by-Step Process & Handy Checklists

Get organised with checklists for balcony gardens, community parks, or private green spaces. Whether you’re planting herbs or building rain gardens, this guide has got you covered.

Interactive Videos

Explore DIY solutions like:

• Balcony gardening essentials 
• Rainwater collection systems 
• Biodiversity tips 
• Medicinal herb gardening 

Recommendations for Greener Communities

Discover ways to make public spaces greener by collaborating with city departments, using permeable pavements, and maintaining rain gardens.

Take Action Today!

From composting and rainwater collection to starting a community garden, this guide inspires and equips you to turn ideas into action. For every green solution, there’s a clickable resource or video to guide you every step of the way.

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Let’s create resilient, biodiverse spaces together. 

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🔗 Access the DIY Guide here!

We’re thrilled to share this resource with you and look forward to seeing how citizens across Europe bring green infrastructure to life. 

The GINEVRA project, in collaboration with our knowledge provider EMFIE, proudly presents the AV Readiness Assessment Tool, an innovative solution designed to help cities evaluate their preparedness for autonomous vehicles (AVs) and take critical steps toward future-ready urban mobility. This tool serves as a comprehensive starting point for cities aiming to embrace not only AVs but also other transformative technologies.

What is the AV Readiness Assessment Tool?

The AV Readiness Assessment Tool is a groundbreaking online calculator tailored for small and medium-sized Central European cities. By leveraging a multi-variant statistical model, the tool evaluates a city’s readiness to integrate AVs and provides actionable insights to guide municipalities in their journey toward AV deployment. While the tool’s primary focus is on autonomous vehicle readiness, its adaptability ensures its relevance for other transformative innovations as well.

How Does It Work?

The tool uses a composite index to facilitate benchmarking and comparisons across cities. Municipalities input specific data via a simple interface, engaging stakeholders and citizens through collaborative processes. The tool then generates an AV Readiness Score, which highlights strengths, identifies problem areas (such as potential bias, discrimination, or resistance), and evaluates proposed deployment measures. Based on the assessment, cities are categorized into one of four readiness levels:

1. AV Pioneer (75-100%): Highly prepared cities with key infrastructure, policies, and public awareness initiatives already in place, ensuring a seamless transition to AVs.
2. AV Friendly (50-75%): Cities with solid progress in relevant infrastructure and policies, offering a favorable environment for AVs but needing targeted improvements to achieve full readiness.
3. AV Developing (25-50%): Cities with foundational assets that show potential but require significant enhancements in areas like road infrastructure, connectivity, and public awareness.
4. Limited AV Readiness (0-25%): Cities requiring urgent improvements in essential infrastructure, policy, and safety measures to support AV integration.

Key Features

• Composite Index: Enables clear benchmarking and comparison between cities.
• Collaborative Approach: Engages stakeholders and citizens in the assessment process.
• Tailored Action Plans: Offers actionable recommendations based on readiness levels.
• Insights for Improvement: Identifies critical areas for development, such as regulatory frameworks, public safety measures, and public awareness.

Why is this Tool Important?

As cities across Europe and beyond prepare for the future of mobility, autonomous vehicles are emerging as a transformative innovation. The AV Readiness Assessment Tool equips cities with the knowledge and resources to navigate this transition responsibly and efficiently. By identifying gaps and providing tailored action plans, the tool ensures that municipalities can:

• Enhance urban mobility systems.
• Promote sustainable innovation.
• Foster collaboration among local stakeholders.

Looking Ahead

Although the current version of the tool is already a significant step forward, it is not yet finalized. Our developers are working diligently to refine and enhance its features to ensure maximum impact. We will soon share the final version, enabling cities to fully benefit from this tool and take critical steps toward future-ready urban mobility systems. Stay tuned! 

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Explore the Tool!

For a visual overview and to explore the AV Readiness Assessment Tool, visit: https://www.emfie.eu/avreadiness

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From November 28 to 29, 2024, the historic city of Ptuj (Slovenia) hosted an important event: the GreenScape CE Partner Meeting. Over two days, project partners gathered to address the creation of climate-resilient urban landscapes. The meeting brought together representatives from partner cities, urban planning experts, and civic engagement specialists, all committed to developing innovative strategies to make Central Europe’s urban areas greener, more sustainable, and more livable.

The first day laid the groundwork for innovative and productive collaboration:

• Study Visit: A guided tour of Ptuj’s successful green initiatives allowed participants to witness tangible applications of green infrastructure, providing inspiration and concrete models for sustainable urban development.
• Introductory Discussions: REGEA and ALDA+ led the opening sessions, focusing on project management and communication strategies, sharing significant updates on progress, and outlining the next steps.
• Workshop on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS): Under the theme ‘Sowing the Seeds,’ partners delved into best practices for implementing nature-based solutions (NBS) and green infrastructure (GI), emphasising innovative and replicable approaches.

The second and final day of the GreenScape CE Partner Meeting centered on actionable strategies and planning for future activities:

• Collaborative Workshops: Under the theme “Bring About Change,” partners, guided by ETIFOR and other experts, refined pilot actions, drafted feasibility studies, and developed the technical documentation required for future implementations.
• Strategic Deep-Dive Sessions: Contributions from UIRS – Urbanistični Inštitut Republike Slovenije, AMBIT, Energiaklub, ZRS Bistra, the City of Zagreb, and ALDA+ explored opportunities to connect green infrastructure (GI) and nature-based solutions (NBS) initiatives. These sessions also highlighted strategies to raise awareness and engage local communities effectively.
• Next Steps: Partners committed to expanding the GreenScape CE network, strengthening regional collaboration, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of project results.

The day concluded with a shared and ambitious vision to integrate green solutions into cities, tackle urban climate challenges, and create a roadmap to transform gray areas into green, resilient cities.

The Ptuj meeting reinforced the GreenScape CE consortium’s commitment to creating inclusive and climate-resilient urban environments. It showcased the transformative potential of nature-based solutions (NBS) and green infrastructure (GI) in mitigating urban heat island effects while promoting harmonious and sustainable development.

The collaborative energy, innovative solutions, and shared passion among partners perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the GreenScape CE project.

As the project progresses, the GreenScape CE partnership will continue to expand its network, foster local community engagement, and implement innovative solutions to reshape the urban landscapes of Central Europe.

Stay tuned for updates on the next steps of our mission: #MakeGreyCitiesGreener!