As part of our commitment to empowering cities, academia, and industry partners to drive innovation in urban spaces, we are pleased to inform you about a significant new funding opportunity: the DUT Call 2024.
This call, part of the “Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Partnership” under Horizon Europe, provides funding for transnational research and innovation projects aimed at addressing some of the most critical urban challenges. The focus is on projects that can help cities transition towards more sustainable, climate-resilient economies and urban environments.
This is a good opportunity for UTA Members to lead or participate in innovative projects that address urban issues across three thematic areas, or “Transition Pathways“:
1. Circular Urban Economies (CUE)
The “CUE pathway” focuses on redesigning cities to become more resource-efficient while regenerating and conserving their environments. Projects in this area can explore:
– Urban Water Cycles: Innovative approaches to managing water in cities.
– Biodiversity and Space Conservation: Circular models to regenerate and protect urban spaces while promoting biodiversity.
– Circular Economy Management: Strategies to monitor and manage circular economy practices across multiple cities.
2. 15-minute City (15mC)
The “15-minute City pathway” centers around the idea of creating cities where essential services, work, and leisure can be accessed within 15 minutes by walking or cycling. This pathway is crucial for cities that aim to reduce congestion and pollution while enhancing quality of life. Key topics include:
– Inclusive and Youth-Centric Mobility: Innovations that ensure mobility systems are inclusive and cater to all demographics, especially young people.
– System Innovation for City Regions: Rethinking how urban mobility systems can be redesigned to better serve sustainable urban growth.
– Data-Driven Mobility Decisions: Using data and indicators to support effective decision-making in urban mobility systems.
3. Positive Energy Districts (PED)
The “PED pathway” promotes the creation of “Positive Energy Districts”, urban areas that generate more energy than they consume. It’s a key initiative for cities striving towards “climate neutrality” Topics under this pathway include:
– Local PEDs in a Broader Context: Understanding the role of local energy districts in the larger urban and regional energy landscape.
– Integration for Climate-Neutral Cities: Aligning PEDs with broader urban strategies to help cities become climate-neutral.
– Data Management for Energy Transition: Developing advanced data management systems to support the urban energy transition.
What’s in it for UTA Members?
As UTA members, you are uniquely positioned to contribute to and benefit from this call. With your experience and focus on*smart city solutions, this is a chance to showcase your expertise on a global stage. The DUT Partnership aims to create a framework for innovation and demonstration at the city level, which aligns perfectly with UTA’s mission of transforming urban environments through collaboration between cities, academia, and industry.
We encourage you to explore the topics and consider how your organization can contribute to solutions in any of the Transition Pathways. Whether you are focusing on sustainable urban economies, mobility innovations, or energy-positive neighborhoods, the DUT Call 2024 offers a platform to scale your ideas and turn them into actionable projects.
Global Impact and Collaboration
The DUT Call 2024 is part of a broader global initiative, Mission Innovation (MI), and aligns with the Urban Transitions Mission (UTM). This means that your project has the potential not only to impact European cities but also to contribute to global urban transitions. The call is being implemented in collaboration with select members of the Belmont Forum, providing a unique opportunity for UTA members to collaborate with international partners across diverse regions.
Participating Countries
Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Taiwan, Türkiye, United Kingdom.
Key Dates and Next Steps
Pre-Proposal Submission Deadline: 14 November 2024
We recommend starting discussions now to explore potential collaborations within the UTA network and beyond.
How Can UTA Support You?
UTA is committed to helping its members navigate the proposal process. If you’re interested in applying, we can assist you in finding partners, developing proposals, and aligning your project ideas with the objectives of the DUT Call 2024. Our team is here to help you take full advantage of this exciting funding opportunity.
If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us : contact@urbantechnologyalliance.org.
Let’s work together to drive urban transitions and build the smart, sustainable cities of the future!
