SCIFI

Smart Cities Innovation Framework Implementation

Smart Cities Innovation Framework Implementation (SCIFI) is an EU-funded project built around the use of open data to solve urban problems such as transportation, waste management and maintenance of infrastructure. SCIFI aims to design and establish an innovation framework for collaboration across partner cities; and between public service providers, citizens, innovators and experts. By acting together, medium-sized cities can better pool the innovative potential of the 2-Seas region and leverage the world-class knowledge institutions in the region.

Background

Open public data is a key innovation area with the potential to stimulate 2Seas regional economy and promote the delivery of smart public services. Open public data is estimated to have €300B of unlocked value (EU, 2015). Being both data suppliers and users, cities are ideally positioned as launching customers for innovative products and services.

Aims

SCIFI aims to activate the market for innovative solutions to improve public service delivery using data. Cities collaborate on identifying shared challenges in mobility, energy and environment. They jointly explore innovative procurement methods to work with businesses in developing data-based solutions, implementing them in living labs, and demonstrating the value of opening data.

Approach

SCIFI launches an Accelerator for Cities and Businesses to co-create practical, sustainable solutions for city challenges. The Accelerator programme coaches both businesses and clients (cities) on: selecting and opening relevant datasets, adapting to EU data standards and formats, addressing issues of IPR and software-specific business models, and engaging public sector stakeholders including citizens and policy makers.

Results

The SCIFI framework will establish the 4-helix relationships and the methodologies for 2 Seas cities to source innovative solutions to urban challenges under a Smart, data-driven approach. This framework will increase the competitiveness of the 2 Seas region in the field of urban innovation, stimulate the innovative sectors of the regional economy. And increase quality of life in 2 Seas cities.

Impact

By acting together, medium-sized cities can better pool the innovative potential of the 2 Seas region. Through a network of local and transnational actors, SCIFI increases the growth potential for regional businesses, leverages the world-class knowledge institutions in the region, and provides cities wider access to innovative products and services.

Visit the SCIFI website here.