The European partnership Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) provides support for research and innovation projects that help cities in the transition to sustainable economies and societies. The results of the first call show great interest among European stakeholders - and for Sweden, participation is a success.
The results of the first call for proposals within the partnership show great interest in Sweden. The Swedish commitment means, among other things, that there are more participants and main applicants in the projects than in other countries. Overall, there are many projects with Swedish participants, which means that Sweden's participation in the call is a success.
- We had hoped that Swedish actors would do well in the first year of this major call. However, we have not dared to believe that Sweden would have the most participants and main applicants in the projects. This is great to see and a sign that we are very committed to sustainable spatial planning.
- Ann Maudsley and Björn Wallsten, Formas
The Swedish funding bodies Formas, the Swedish Energy Agency and Vinnova have together contributed around SEK 42 million to the first call. Researchers, cities, municipalities, companies, civil society and other stakeholders active in the climate transition of cities have been able to apply for funding to participate in international research and innovation projects with interdisciplinary approaches.
- Swedish research and innovation actors from different sectors in the field of urban development are among the top in Europe. This is evident from this important message of strength from the first call for proposals. It will be exciting to follow the interdisciplinary projects over the next three years.
- Björn Svensby Kurling, Vinnova
In the fall, Formas and the Swedish Energy Agency will announce new funding within the framework of the European partnership. At the national level, Formas is, as before, responsible for issues relating to circular urban economies (CUE). When it comes to energy-positive districts, PED, and the 15-minute city, 15minC, interested parties should contact the Swedish Energy Agency.
- We are now looking forward to receiving applications for the second call and supporting those interested in accessing European funding. It is important that Sweden continues on this path to address the complex challenges facing our cities and communities.
- Emina Pasic, Swedish Energy Agency
The partnership will help policy makers, businesses and other societal actors to act and contribute to the sustainable transformation of cities. The European Commission, together with 27 European countries, including South Korea and Canada in the second call, has a budget of around EUR 100 million to enable stakeholders to participate in international research and innovation projects on urban transition.
