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00:00Welcome to this intro to the Living in EU working groups.
00:17By now, you have probably heard about Living in EU,
00:21but let me first briefly remind you what it is
00:24and why we invite you to work together in our working groups.
00:29Living in EU is a key EU initiative on digital transformation of cities and regions,
00:36supported by the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions.
00:41It is based on the Join, Boost, Sustain declaration.
00:45By signing this declaration, cities and regions commit to work together
00:50in five areas to accelerate their digital journey
00:54technical, legal, financial, capacity building and monitoring and measuring.
01:01To organize this collaboration and help realize the commitments,
01:06we set up five working groups, one for each of the areas that I just mentioned.
01:12The work takes place online via the Living in EU platform.
01:17Each working group organizes four online meetings per year.
01:21Each working group is coordinated by one of the founding networks of Living in EU.
01:27EuroCities leads the working groups on legal and financial,
01:32OASC the technical, ERIN the monitoring and measuring
01:37and and or the capacity building one.
01:41You will meet the working group leads from each organization shortly.
01:45But before that, let me explain a bit more about the way of working.
01:51The working group coordinator, also called working group lead,
01:55acts as administrator and organizes the group activities.
02:00In addition, each working group is chaired by a member of the community,
02:06a city or a region to ensure ownership.
02:10The working groups have annual work plans co-created with the members of the group.
02:15Every city or region can propose a topic or activity to be included in the work plan.
02:22This is your chance to put your priorities on the table and get support from us on a concrete issue.
02:29For example, you are developing your digital transformation strategy.
02:34You need to define your indicators.
02:37You can propose an activity for the monitoring and measuring working group
02:41and define indicators together with other cities and regions.
02:46Or, your department must prepare a call for tender for the development of a data platform.
02:52You need to include a clause to ensure interoperability between the new platform and other systems.
02:58You can get support from the technical working group on how to apply the minimal interoperable mechanisms.
03:05So, who should join the working groups?
03:08The short answer is you!
03:10Experts from the city or regional administration with a profile that is relevant to the scope and topics of the working group.
03:17Experts with technical background such as data officers, technology officers, innovation officers, but also legal experts or funding experts.
03:27The most suitable profile can be different for each group.
03:32What are the types of activities and results?
03:35There are two main types of activities.
03:38The first one is sharing information about new initiatives, laws, funding instruments.
03:45For example, there is the AI Act.
03:48Cities and regions want to know what are the implications of this new legislation on their work.
03:53Are they considered as deployers or providers of AI systems?
03:58And what obligations stem from their status?
04:01What concrete measures should they put in place to be compliant with the Act?
04:06We involve European Commission experts, lawyers, researchers to answer such questions.
04:13The second type of activity is about working together on a concrete tool or resource by and for the community.
04:21Such as Lordy Mass, the MIMS, standard AI procurement clauses.
04:26Now, let's meet the working group leaders and dive deeper into the activities.
04:33Hello, my name is Sophie Miesaroš and today I will tell you more about the technical working group of the Living in EU movement.
04:39What is it about?
04:41The idea is that if you have an issue in City A, it is likely that Community B can relate to that.
04:47This group acts as a kind of platform to bring communities together for knowledge exchange, peer learning and to express common challenges.
04:54At the core of this effort is the emphasis on creating interoperable services, applications and solutions.
05:01Hence, this working group is a primary source for the development of minimal interoperability mechanisms, also known as MIMS Plus.
05:08The MIMS Plus defines areas where communities require interoperability, such as cyber security, AI or aspects of data sharing,
05:15and articulates the requirements and capabilities necessary to accomplish interoperability in their respective areas.
05:22It is accompanied by examples of suitable mechanisms and guidance.
05:27The MIMS Plus is a foundational element of the European Interoperability Framework for Smart Communities and is used in various European technical resources,
05:36like the European Data Space for Smart Communities or the Local Digital Twin Toolbox.
05:41Who should join?
05:42The group welcomes those who are interested in the development of interoperable solutions, services and applications.
05:49You can share your experience or learn from other communities or ongoing European activities that tackle technical problems in the Smart Cities domain.
05:57So, it is useful for those representatives of local administrations who work on technology procurement, European relations or digital policies.
06:05What are the types of activities and results?
06:08During our meetings, we provide space for communities to share their developments and we bring in ongoing European projects that provide solutions for communities' technical challenges.
06:17So, you will be able to attend presentations by peers and European projects, participate in workshops to share your needs and challenges,
06:25and participate in the development of the minimal interoperability mechanisms MIMS Plus.
06:31The results are published in the form of reports, recommendations, interoperability guidelines and other materials.
06:37They serve as guidance for an inclusive European digital transformation across regions, cities and communities.
06:44My name is Dane Pandelidi and I work for the European Network of Living Labs, the partner leading the Education and Capacity Building Working Group.
06:52The Education and Capacity Building Working Group is open to a variety of profiles.
06:57This includes public officers and city experts involved in digital agendas.
07:02We also welcome Smart Cities solution providers and NGOs focusing on digital inclusion and urban innovation.
07:09Academics and students exploring digital adaptation in urban and rural areas are invited to join.
07:16Citizens and grassroots initiatives advocating for a fair digital transition are also encouraged to participate.
07:23If this sounds like you, we invite you to become a member of our group.
07:27The group provides online educational opportunities tailored to your priorities.
07:32These priorities are identified during our annual assessment that takes place at the beginning and at the end of each year.
07:38The same assessment is used to identify material that corresponds to the current needs of members and build up the knowledge base that is accessible through the website of Living in EU.
07:50Our sessions focus on skills development and knowledge sharing.
07:54Members gain access to tools and insights needed to navigate the evolving digital landscape.
07:59We bring together experts from various fields to discuss key topics.
08:04Some examples of previously occurred meetings include the topics of empowering user participation in digital tool design and how to achieve digital inclusion in pilot projects that are run by cities.
08:15By focusing on real world needs, we ensure our sessions stay relevant and practical.
08:20Joining the education and capacity building working group gives you access to events and a voice in shaping content.
08:26By sharing your needs and insights, you help build an ecosystem for meaningful digital development.
08:31We recognize that public authorities need digital skills to address today's challenges.
08:36This transformation takes time, but we're here to support it.
08:40Our group prioritizes knowledge sharing and skills development.
08:44We connect you with experts who provide insights for informed decision making.
08:48This can help your organization lead positive change.
08:51Stay informed about our activities through the Living in EU website, the forum, social media and the newsletter.
08:58We look forward to welcoming you to the Education and Capacity Building Working Group.
09:02Together we can build skills and share knowledge for a digitally inclusive future.
09:08Hello, my name is Anna Georgieva and today I will tell you more about the Financial Working Group.
09:15So, what is the Financial Working Group about?
09:18Europe's successful, sustainable and human-centered digital transformation depends on many interconnected factors.
09:25And, of course, the financial aspect plays a particularly important role.
09:30In this context, the Financial Working Group of Living in EU is committed to ensuring that signatories can access
09:37and shape the financial resources necessary to foster the green and digital transformation of Europe.
09:43It unites experts from cities and regions who explore together such topics as
09:49available EU funding instruments and programs,
09:52joint investment plans,
09:54synergies between EU, national and local funds,
09:58reinforcement of investments,
10:00as well as common public procurement practices
10:03to develop and implement common existing digital solutions on a large scale in the EU.
10:10Who should join the Financial Working Groups?
10:13Are you an expert from a city or a regional administration?
10:18Are you interested in the topics we just mentioned?
10:21Do you want to contribute to Europe's digital and sustainable urban development?
10:26Are you interested in exchanging know-how and best practices and collaborating with peers from all around Europe?
10:33If the answer is yes, then we are looking forward to welcoming you to the Financial Working Group.
10:39What are the types of activities and results that we work on?
10:43As it was mentioned, each Working Group has an annual work plan and the financial one makes no exception.
10:49In 2024, we have been focusing on four key objectives.
10:54Namely,
10:551. Providing information and guidance on EU funding opportunities and instruments,
11:00as well as matching the financial needs of cities and communities with the available funding tools.
11:062. Sharing knowledge on financial needs for local digital transformation and showcasing best practices of project proposals.
11:153. Ongoing analysis of the financial means of cities, regions and communities to ensure a successful implementation of policies.
11:244. And, last but not least, understanding the complex new instrument, the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium, also known as EDICS.
11:36In this context, earlier this year, we hosted a webinar to explore the Connecting Europe Facilities funding instruments,
11:42with a particular focus on the CEF Digital for 5G and Edge Cloud for smart communities.
11:50We also organized a dedicated session to gather feedback from Living in EU signatories on the development of the Digital Europe Programme,
11:57and submitted a collective reply to the online consultation on the interim evaluation of the Digital Europe Programme launched by the European Commission.
12:065. To further support cities in navigating the challenges they face in financing their digital projects and ambitions,
12:13together with our signatories, we prepared a publication outlining some key opportunities and challenges related to financing cities and regions' digital transformation.
12:24We are currently preparing a webinar dedicated to the development of the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium
12:31and multi-country projects, and the key aspects and opportunities for cities and regions.
12:37Last but not least, we have already started working on the priorities and upcoming activities for 2025.
12:45You can stay informed about our current activities and upcoming initiatives in 2025 through the Living in EU webpage and newsletter.
12:54We are looking forward to welcoming you at the Financial Working Group meetings!
12:58Hello, my name is Rodolphe Douaté and today I will tell you more about the Monitoring and Measuring Working Group.
13:05First, what is the Monitoring and Measuring Working Group about?
13:09The Monitoring and Measuring Working Group is bringing together cities, regions and communities to develop a solid and unique framework for measuring and monitoring sustainable digital transformation.
13:23Sharing the knowledge, vision and action is a key element in digital transformation and scaling up digital innovation.
13:31If we develop and validate local and regional key performance indicators and data collection procedures for common and transparent monitoring,
13:40we will be able to compare smart city solutions across European cities and regions.
13:46This is a crucial horizontal element in all digitalization efforts.
13:51To promote digital transformation and the scaling up of digital innovation in cities, regions and communities,
13:58the Living in EU movements and Monitoring and Measuring Working Group would like to better understand what the different actors are doing,
14:06what works, what does not and why.
14:09Who should join the Monitoring and Measuring Working Group?
14:13The Monitoring and Measuring Working Group is designed for city and regional representatives who are
14:18actively contributing to digital transformation and exchanging with peers on measurement tools and strategies,
14:25seeking to enhance their ability to measure digital transformation through a comprehensive overview,
14:30interested in defining a framework for measuring digital transformation across European cities and regions,
14:36or in charge of measuring and reporting progress on digital transformation at local and regional levels,
14:42including with the Lordi MAS II.
14:45And now, what are the types of activity and results we are implemented?
14:50With the support of the Living in EU signatories, together with the European Commission,
14:54the European Committee of the Region, ESPON and the Living in EU partners,
14:58the Monitoring and Measuring Working Group contributed to
15:01the Lordi Local and Regional Digital Indicators Framework,
15:05which aims to support digital transformation efforts across Europe
15:09by providing the necessary evidence on what is happening on the local and regional levels.
15:15It helps cities and regions to develop and steer the relevant policies,
15:19to fulfill the commitments and actions,
15:22and to support access to different financing opportunities.
15:26This set of indicators maps cities and regions in five broad categories,
15:30local digital infrastructure,
15:32local digital skills and capacity building,
15:35local digital economy and services,
15:37governance and digital single markets,
15:40and socio-economic context.
15:42Following the Lordi,
15:43the Lordi MAS II was created
15:45Local and Regional Digital Maturity Assessment Tool,
15:48an annual self-assessment exercise,
15:50and a tool designed for local, metropolitan and regional governments.
15:54The assessment focuses on multiple aspects linked to wider EU-led policy initiatives,
16:00which are related to governance, service design, data management, interoperability, service delivery, technology, and networking.
16:10It is designed to be used as an annual monitoring exercise to see how individual governments, and Europe as a whole, are transforming over time.
16:20The detailed data about the digital transformation trends on the ground enables local and regional governments to make informed policy decisions,
16:30to improve their standing and deliver better value to their citizens.
16:34The key objective for the monitoring and measuring working group will be to support the use of Lordi MAS II's tool,
16:40and ensuring its take-up to achieve a critical map of cities, regions, and communities answering the survey.
16:47Hello, my name is Viviana De Monte,
16:50and today I will tell you more about the Legal Working Group.
16:53What is the Legal Working Group about?
16:56Across the European Union, there are many factors that influence the sustainable and human-centered digital transformation.
17:04One of them is the Legal Framework.
17:07In this context, the Legal Working Group is committed to ensuring that signatories can comply with the legal requirements
17:15and possess the necessary legal instruments to facilitate the digital transformation.
17:21It brings together legal experts, policy officers, and smart cities members,
17:27and it explores topics such as the explanations of policy priorities, legislative acts and programs at the EU level,
17:37guidance on upcoming policy programs, definitions of procurement contract clauses for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence,
17:48synergies between the EU, national and local policies on digital transformation.
17:54Why you should join the Legal Working Group?
17:57We are always happy to welcome experts from cities, regions, and national authorities
18:02that would like to explore the legal aspects of digital transformation.
18:07The Legal Working Group allows you to stay updated on relevant legislation,
18:12also exchanging your know-how and best practices, collaborating with other officers from all around Europe.
18:19What are the types of activities and results that we have?
18:23Every year, the members of the Legal Working Group draft an annual work plan, defining key activities and topics.
18:32In 2024, we focus on three key objectives.
18:36Understanding EU legislative acts and policy proposals, and their impact on cities, regions, and member states.
18:44Understanding the legal instruments that can support digital transformation, such as guidelines, sandboxes, tools.
18:54Exchanging best practices to tackle common local challenges, such as legally defining the use and application of new technologies.
19:03In this context, we organized two workshops, together with some technology lawyers, and we drafted standard procurement clauses of AI.
19:13These clauses define the legal procedures to apply when using and implementing AI technologies in public contexts.
19:21The clauses were published by the European Commission, and are freely available online.
19:26We also analyzed together the Artificial Intelligence Act, helping cities and regions in understanding its impact and regulations.
19:35We discussed the topics of interoperability, and how to ensure much more connected public services.
19:42And much more.
19:44You can stay informed about our current activities and upcoming initiatives in 2025, through the Living.U webpage and newsletter.
19:52We are looking forward to welcoming you at the Legal Working Group.
19:56We hope that now you can identify which Working Group matches your interests and needs.
20:02Each Working Group has its own private space on the Living.U website.
20:06Join them and explore the resources available.
20:22Join the
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