On November 12th during the DOK (Digital Open Knowledge Summit), we held a dissemination event to celebrate the nearing conclusion of the "Smart Cities for Young Generations" project, an initiative financed by the National Agency of the Erasmus+ Programme. This event highlighted the project's significant progress in addressing critical challenges faced by young people in the European Union, particularly in the areas of digital and green skills.

The project addresses the pressing need for these competencies, as identified by reports such as DESI 2021, which reveals that 4 out of 10 Europeans lack basic digital skills. Similarly, the Global Green Skills 2022 report highlights the growing demand for green skills in the labor market, far exceeding the current supply. By equipping young people with skills in cybersecurity, open data management, and the green economy, this project aims to enhance their employability and ability to navigate the increasingly digitized and environmentally conscious labor market.

Event Highlights

The event included a detailed presentation of the project's outputs, including:

1. The Guide for Educators – A resource to help educators introduce and teach Smart City concepts in alignment with EU directives.
2. The Competency Map – A framework for identifying and developing the necessary skills for working within the Smart City ecosystem.

These tools are designed to support educators in implementing a standardized educational program for young people in any EU country, focusing on:

• Cybersecurity and ethical digital skills
• Green economy and circular economy principles
• Efficient management of urban systems to achieve EU climate goals

Following the presentation, a roundtable discussion with stakeholders fostered dialogue about the practical application of the project outcomes and the importance of empowering educators in building the potential of future generations.

Achievements of the Project

The project's outcomes include:

1. A standardized training program for educators.
2. Validation of the training materials and methodologies.
3. Recommendations for educators to implement these programs effectively.
4. A dedicated training program for young people focused on Smart City systems.
5. A pilot educational program to test and validate the training content and approach.

This initiative is the result of collaborative efforts among partners including GAIA, Smart Secure Networks (Poland), Green Industry Foundation (Poland), and EDU SMART TRAINING CENTRE LIMITED (Ireland). Since its inception, the project has fostered valuable cross-border cooperation, beginning with a face-to-face meeting in Katowice, Poland, earlier this year.

Building the Future

As the project draws to a close, we reflect on its impact in preparing young generations for a future where digital and green skills are essential. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and efficient Smart City ecosystem, where young people are equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

Stay tuned for the final project outcomes and join us in shaping a smarter, greener future!

Check project website and more information