European capitals of innovation 2016-2018 : places that bring ideas to life.
Date: 2019-07-19
Institutions: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
Subjects: development policy, innovation, integrated development, integrated development programme, international competition, research and development, town, urban community, urban economy

 European Capitals  
of Innovation 

2016-2018

Places that bring 
ideas to life

#iCapitalAwards

Research and 
Innovation 

EUROPEAN CAPITALS OF INNOVATION – 2016-2018 – Places that bring ideas to life

European Commission
Directorate-General for Research and Innovation

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RTD-PUBLICATIONS@ec.europa.eu

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Manuscript completed in May 2019.

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EUROPEAN COMMISSION

EUROPEAN CAPITALS 
OF INNOVATION

2016-2018

Places that bring ideas to life

2019

Directorate-General for Research and Innovation

FOREWORD ..........................................................................................................................................................4

ABOUT THE PRIZE ....................................................................................................................................5

ATHENS – GRASS-ROOTS RENAISSANCE .........................................................8 
EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF INNOVATION 2018

⇢ Polis2 .......................................................................................................................................................................... 9

⇢ Curing the Limbo ................................................................................................................................................ 9

⇢ Kypseli Market ................................................................................................................................................... 10

⇢ Athens Digital Council  ................................................................................................................................. 10

⇢ SynAthina  ........................................................................................................................................................... 11

HAMBURG ..........................................................................................................................................................12
⇢ DIPAS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 12

⇢ DESY ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12

LEUVEN..................................................................................................................................................................13
⇢ Leuven MindGate ............................................................................................................................................. 13

⇢ Leuven 2030 ...................................................................................................................................................... 13

TOULOUSE ........................................................................................................................................................14
⇢ Violette .................................................................................................................................................................. 14

⇢ Toulouse Aerospace Innovation Campus ............................................................................................ 14

PARIS – REINVENTING THE CITY ...............................................................................16 
EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF INNOVATION 2017

⇢ Paris Code/Paris Fabrik ................................................................................................................................. 17

⇢ Arc de l’innovation .......................................................................................................................................... 17

⇢ Les Grands Voisins .......................................................................................................................................... 18

⇢ Reinventing Paris/Embellir Paris .............................................................................................................. 18

⇢ PLACE  .................................................................................................................................................................... 19

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AARHUS .................................................................................................................................................................20
⇢ TAPAS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 20

⇢ IOT project on traffic and weather ......................................................................................................... 20

TALLINN ................................................................................................................................................................21
⇢ X-Road ................................................................................................................................................................... 21

⇢ Sustainable City Gardening Network  .................................................................................................. 21

TEL AVIV – TAP INTO TECH AWARENESS ....................................................22
⇢ DigiTel Resident Card .................................................................................................................................... 22

⇢ CityZone ............................................................................................................................................................... 22

UMEA .........................................................................................................................................................................23
⇢ Gendered landscape tour ............................................................................................................................ 23

⇢ Frizon ...................................................................................................................................................................... 23

AMSTERDAM – COLLABORATIVE  
SPIRIT SHOWS THE WAY .........................................................................................................24 
EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF INNOVATION 2016

⇢ DECODE ................................................................................................................................................................. 25

⇢ Amsterdammers, Maak je Stad! .............................................................................................................. 25

⇢ Freezones ............................................................................................................................................................. 26

⇢ Startup in Residence ...................................................................................................................................... 26

⇢ Resilio  ................................................................................................................................................................... 27

TORINO – OPENING UP A SMARTER SOCIETY ....................................28
⇢ Torino Social Impact ...................................................................................................................................... 28

⇢ Co-City ................................................................................................................................................................... 28

3

FOREWORD

Prizes are a unique way to boost innovation. They bring together 

different people and ideas to solve set challenges. They unleash 
untapped resources, create the buzz that delivers solutions, and 

identify role models that can inspire others. 

With the European Capital of Innovation Awards, we recognise European 
cities that are making a difference in urban innovation, improving the lives 
of their inhabitants. From sustainable mobility to circular economy, from 
co-creating with citizens to building the public spaces of our dreams, cities 
are living labs testing technological and societal innovation. 

We reward cities that approach innovation in unique ways, making the most 
of their means. I am especially proud that our winners all have two essen-
tial ingredients in common: diversity and tolerance. Diversity – of people 
and ideas – fuels creativity. Without tolerance, diversity cannot thrive. 

This booklet collects best practices of urban innovation from all corners of Europe and beyond. It shows 
that mayors and municipalities are key players when it comes to shaping the innovation of tomorrow. 
Every year we award €1.5 million to ensure the continuity and upscaling of such best practices. Let’s keep 
innovating in our cities so they remain places that bring ideas to life and drive Europe forward. 

Carlos Moedas,
Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation 

4

ABOUT THE PRIZE

Following a pilot edition in 2014 – which recognised 
the  city  of  Barcelona,  as  well  as  Groningen  and 
Grenoble  –  the  award  contest  has  been  held  an-
nually since 2016, with all evaluations conducted 
by a jury of high-level experts in the field of urban 
innovation working independently of the European 
Commission.

The  activities  described  in  this  book  were  sug-
gested by the municipal innovation officers of the 
cities  that  have  received  awards  since  the  full 
launch of the prize. They are some of the best ex-
amples  of  the  work  done  by  municipalities  in  the 
field of urban innovation, and illustrate the vibrant 
innovation ecosystems of today’s most innovative 
European cities.

T he European Capital of Innovation Awards is 

an annual prize that recognises the European 
cities  that  best  harness  the  results  of 
innovation to improve the lives of their inhabitants.

In particular, the prize gives exposure to cities that:

⇢  contribute  to  open  and  dynamic 

innovation 

ecosystems;

⇢  involve citizens in governance and decision-making;

⇢  use  innovation  to  improve  the  resilience  and 

sustainability of their cities.

Each year, the winning city is named ‘European Capital 
of  Innovation’  and  receives  EUR  1 000 000  to 
honour and raise its visibility as a role-model. 

The  ‘runner-up’  title  gives  recognition  to  the 
next  best-performing  cities.  It  comes  with  a 
EUR 100 000 prize to scale up existing innovation 
activities. 

Finalist cities, acknowledged for their efforts in pro-
moting innovation, are invited to join the European 
Capital of Innovation alumni network to share ideas, 
and exchange and replicate best practices. 

5

Umeå

Tallinn

Aarhus

Groningen

Hamburg

Amsterdam

Leuven

Paris

Grenoble

Toulouse

Torino

Barcelona

6

Athens

Tel Aviv

Umeå

Paris

Grenoble

Toulouse

Torino

Barcelona

Aarhus

Groningen

Tallinn

The iCapital Network

Hamburg

Amsterdam

Leuven

        ⇠ EUROPEAN CAPITAL  
            OF INNOVATION 

RUNNER-UP ⇢  

Athens

Tel Aviv

7

ATHENS

iCapital 2018

From doer to facilitator

Grass-roots  
renaissance

Athens was hit hard by the refugee and 
economic crises, leaving the city with severely 
reduced resources to meet immense social 
challenges. Grass-roots innovation has filled the 
gap, revitalising the city for the 21st century.

In  2010,  the  municipality  of  Athens  faced 

major  cuts  in  resources  and  greater  pres-
sure  on  public  services.  The  city  revamped 
its policymaking processes to innovate quickly 
so that, along with its citizens, it could revive 
the local economy, build up infrastructure and 
rebuild the residents’ confidence in their city.

Cooperation  with  citizens  and  civil  society 
was  essential.  The  city  made  the  most  of  its 
limited  resources  by  directing  training,  infra-
structure  and  funding  to  community,  business 
and  NGO-led  initiatives.  These  helped  to  re-
generate  neighbourhoods,  integrate  refugees, 
improve  education  and  digital  access.  The  city 
now has new businesses, a more attractive ur-
ban environment, a revived cultural scene and 
better services.

Inclusion  made  the  approach  work.  The  inno-
vation-support  processes  were  accountable 
and transparent, while citizens were consulted 
on decisions throughout. The whole city could 
test ideas for positive change.

The municipality now brings groups together to 
improve  the  city  rather  than  directing  change 
from the top. That proves that innovation allows 
cities to do more with less.

“The city has changed from being a doer to 
being a facilitator and enabler to deal with 
fragmentation and improve cooperation.” 

Elena Papalabrou, Special advisor in civil society 
and social innovation, Municipality of Athens 

38.96 km2 – 664 000 inhabitants – www.cityofathens.gr

8

FEATURED PROJECTS

Polis2
Polis Squared invited citizens to co-create the city. 
There are two phases to the project. The first is a 
call for ideas from citizens, businesses and organ-
isations  to  improve  the  quality  of  life  and  coop-
eration in neighbourhoods, streets and buildings. 
Successful initiatives receive small grants, advice 
and training to run their projects.

The second part concerns reviving closed shops in 
the centre of Athens, where many businesses had 
been  abandoned  after  the  financial  crisis.  Here, 
artists,  creative  industries  and  small  enterprises 
have received free ground-floor space along three 
central  main  streets.  In  return,  they  hold  events 
and educational workshops for the general public.

The  project  is  empowering  residents  and  busi-
nesses  to  improve  the  city’s  urban  environment 
and sense of community. It is a win-win arrange-
ment  in  which  innovators  receive  support  to  try 
out  new  ideas,  and  in  return  they  make  the  city 
more sustainable.

 ⇢ www.polis2.thisisathens.org/en

Curing the Limbo
This  social  integration  programme  enables  refu-
gees  who  have  been  granted  asylum  to  interact 
with the citizens of Athens, learn about their neigh-
bourhoods,  cultivate  job  skills,  and  contribute  to 
city life, while creating their own identity.

9

Funded  by  the  EU  as  part  of  its  Urban  Innovative 
Actions initiative, the programme gives refugees the 
skills and social connections they need to leave the 
‘limbo’ of inactivity they experience before receiving 
the right to stay. 

Participants attend courses in Greek, English, cre-
ative  skills  such  as  media  and  photography,  and 
ICT. They also receive affordable housing and fol-
low  professional  job  counselling  tailored  to  their 
needs.  Furthermore,  refugees  are  integrated  in 
city life through public events organised by local 
citizen groups. Activities are based on the require-
ments of each neighbourhood, defined by the lo-
cal groups, and on the skills and needs of refugee 
participants. 

 ⇢ curingthelimbo.gr/en

cultural activities for local residents and visitors, 
supported by a viable business plan. 

The new use of the space was selected after consul-
tation with local residents and other stakeholders. 
Impact Hub Athens, a network of social entrepre-
neurs, manages the building, while the renovations 
have been financed from EU Cohesion Policy funds 
for Greece. In June 2018, the renovation took an-
other step forward when tenants were selected to 
take on the eight previously empty shops within the 
market  building,  which  now  provides  services  and 
products for the community.

 ⇢  athens.impacthub.net/en/kypseli-munici-

pal-market/

Kypseli Market
The  Kypseli  Municipal  Market  building  dates  back  to 
1935. Its impressive architecture is typical of Athenian 
modernism. Despite being threatened with redevelop-
ment over the years, support from leading citizens in 
its neighbourhood protected it. Today, the building has 
been transformed into a collective space for communi-
ty groups. Artists, social enterprises and citizen groups 
can use the building to set up innovative education and 

Athens Digital Council 
Leaders of the largest digital and telecommunications 
companies in Greece and senior professors at major 
Greek universities have come together to encourage 
technological  innovation  in  Athens  government  ser-
vices and boost digital skills throughout the city. The 
Digital  Council,  under  the  coordination  of  the  Chief 
Digital  Officer,  is  helping  the  municipality  to  reach 
more people, become more transparent, efficient and 
effective in delivering services, and improve residents’ 
chances of finding work.

10

Innovations from the Digital Council’s work with the 
municipality include pilot waste-management sys-
tems and smart lighting in the city centre, among 
others. Thousands of residents can also access dig-
ital skills training from Digital Council members in 
Athens Open Schools and Start Project. 

Athens  municipality  oversees  the  Council  while 
the Athens Partnership, an independent non-prof-
it organisation promoting high-level partnerships 
with the city, coordinates private-sector support. 
The collaboration aims to make Athens one of the 
world’s leading digital cities and improve life for 
all Athenians.

 ⇢ http://athenspartnership.org/digital-council

SynAthina 
SynAthina is a digital platform that brings together 
and supports citizen groups engaged in improving 
quality of life in the city. A City of Athens initiative, 
the platform was created in July 2013. By adding 
activities  to  it,  organisers  can  generate  publicity 
and connect with other groups, citizens and spon-
sors. A SynAthina kiosk in the city is also available 
for meetings, activities or information events, free 
of charge, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

This free-of-charge, open-access support for commu-
nity initiatives empowers social innovation in the city. 
Through SynAthina, people can also share ideas with 
the local authorities on how to improve regulations or 
simplify  government  procedures.  At  the  same  time, 
by  hosting  information  about  grass-roots  initiatives, 
the city has insights into residents’ priorities and can 
spot activities that local governments could copy to 
improve local services.

 ⇢ www.synathina.gr/en

11

HAMBURG

Runner-up 2018

Connect, collaborate and create

All on-board 
for the future
This 800-year-old seaport is steaming into the 

21st century and facing new societal problems 
with an openness to new ideas that has helped 
make  it  one  of  the  10  most  liveable  cities  in  the 
world. It is attracting the brightest and best minds in 
science, business and academia who are using data 
solutions and transparent public participation to 
find solutions for issues ranging from housing and 
urban mobility to accommodation for refugees.

Hamburg is giving its residents the tools 
to take responsibility for their city’s future 
with practical solutions such as digital 
participation systems and collaborative 
innovation parks.

“We seek to share our insights and 
contribute towards a healthy culture 
of innovation in Europe.”

Sasha Jacobi, Project Manager  
Innovation, Hamburg 

DIPAS
The Digital Integrated Participation System is a dig-
ital platform for residents of Hamburg to informally 
participate in developing products and services. With 
DIPAS,  citizens,  public  and  private  institutions  can 
access  city  information  and  contribute  to  shaping 
urban living spaces. This reinforces the city’s status 
as a leader in developing new  urban planning and 
construction processes.

The Ministry for Urban Development and Housing is 
cooperating with the HafenCity University and Agency 
for Geoinformatics and Survey to develop DIPAS.
 ⇢ www.hamburg.de/dipas/

DESY
The  Deutsches  Elektronen-Synchrotron  is  a  nation-
al  research  centre  and  one  of  the  world’s  leading 
particle accelerator centres. It builds research tools 
for scientists to use for applications ranging from 
exploring  elementary  particles  to  studying  new 
nanomaterials.  It  is  contributing  to  innovation  by 
conducting basic research, which is the foundation 
for new knowledge and ideas. DESY allows firms to 
carry  out  product  development  and  testing,  while 
the  spin-offs  from  its  research  contribute  to  im-
proving  medical  technology,  to  better  diagnose  or 
treat diseases.
 ⇢ www.desy.de/

775.1 km2 – 1.86 million – www.future.hamburg

12

Collaboration at all city levels

LEUVEN

Runner-up 2018

Strength in small-
city networks

Although small, Leuven hosts a diverse 
research population from one of Europe’s 
most innovative universities, KU Leuven. 
Add in close engagement with residents and 
businesses, and the result is a highly creative, 
entrepreneurial and citizen-driven city. 

Making  the  most  of  its  unique  demographic, 
Leuven  tackles  challenges  through  horizontal 
networks  of  public  and  private  organisations 
that  work  together  and  pool  resources.  A  key 
partner is the university, a major force behind 
efforts  to  make  the  city  carbon-neutral.  Now 
Leuven’s  network  has  expanded  to  include 
other iCapital finalists and winners.

“Putting together different people and 
perspectives to work on a shared issue 
stimulates new ways of thinking and 
leads to innovative and creative solutions 
to complex challenges.”

Katrien Rycken, Coordinator Leuven 2030

Leuven MindGate
A network of local government, companies and re-
searchers,  Leuven  MindGate  promotes  innovation 
in health, high-tech and creativity for economic de-
velopment and prosperity in the region.

As  well  as  promoting  company  creation,  training 
and  a  hospitable  environment  for  innovation,  the 
network  takes  part  in  national  and  international 
projects,  trade  fairs  and  missions  to  promote  its 
members and the city.

Notable  MindGate  projects  include  a  one-stop 
shop for welcoming foreign specialist workers and 
the transformation of a run-down industrial neigh-
bourhood into a flourishing art district.

 ⇢ www.leuvenmindgate.be

Leuven 2030
In  this  network,  local  government,  researchers, 
businesses and citizens aim to dramatically reduce 
greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the tran-
sition  to  a  carbon-neutral  Leuven.  Alongside  key 
stakeholders, it has produced a comprehensive and 
ambitious roadmap for the city, covering everything 
from sustainable mobility and building renovation 
to renewable energy and sustainable consumption.

Leuven 2030 also takes direct action by develop-
ing  projects  such  as  L.E.U.V.E.N.  which  is  a  part-
nership between more than 20 building managers 
to substantially increase the energy efficiency of 
their buildings.
 ⇢ www.leuven2030.be

56.63 km2 – 100 300 inhabitants – https://www.leuven.be/

13

TOULOUSE

Runner-up 2018

Toulouse, the open metropolis

Reach for the 
stars to grow
Innovations in public facilities and mobility, such 

as an urban cable car, enable Toulouse to enjoy 
an economy that attracts new inhabitants while 

protecting local quality of life. 

To maintain its high-tech advantage, Toulouse is 
investing  in  digital  skills,  in  particular  in  intelli-
gent transport. Social cohesion and public-private 
projects  are  important,  too,  fostered  through 
innovative communication with inhabitants.

Violette
People  living  in  or  visiting  Toulouse  can  address 
questions to Violette, a virtual assistant available 
24/7. Via an easy-to-use online messaging service 
on  the  city’s  website,  Violette  guides  people  to 
a wide range of practical information – on admin-
istrative  services,  transport,  weather,  air  quality, 
leisure and cultural activities.

Violette  is  named  after  the  violet,  the  flower  of 
Toulouse. Following the chatbot’s success, the city 
is increasing the range of services she can advise 
on, funded by the iCapital Award.
 ⇢ www.toulouse.fr 

As the leading metropolitan area in 
France for start-ups, fuelled by a strong 
aerospace industry, Toulouse is experiencing 
a population boom. It is using social and 
technological innovation to develop in 
a sustainable way. 

“The award has created international 
recognition that adds value to our work 
and a rich, beneficial network with 
European partners.”

Bertrand Serp, Vice-president of Toulouse 
Métropole in charge of Digital Economy  
and Robotics

Toulouse Aerospace 
Innovation Campus
An attractive new quarter is being developed in the 
south of Toulouse. It provides a home for start-ups, 
research  and  other  organisations  focusing  on  the 
aeronautics,  space  industries  and  artificial  intelli-
gence. The campus will enable Toulouse to build on 
its strengths as a European leader in these sectors.

It also hosts ‘La Machine’, a street theatre compa-
ny based around performance machines, promoting 
creativity and community spirit within the quarter’s 
‘technology’  theme.  In  2018,  the  company’s  giant 
machines mobilised 900 000 people to take to the 
streets of Toulouse to enjoy a four-day festival.  
 ⇢ http://toulouseaerospace.com 

460 km2 – 755 882 inhabitants – www.toulouse-metropole.fr 

14

15

PARIS

iCapital 2017

Build up, meet up, scale up

Reinventing  
the city

Paris has fostered centuries of scientific, philo- 

sophical  and  artistic  innovation,  from  Eu-
rope’s  18th  century  Enlightenment  to  the 
Eiffel  Tower.  In  recent  years,  boosted  by  a  large 
concentration of students and higher educational 
institutions, this culture has created strong start-
up and local activist communities. 

To  push  this  energy  towards  challenges  such  as 
climate change, land scarcity, migrant integration, 
transport and sustainable growth, the municipality 
and inhabitants are co-creating solutions. 

Paris  is  releasing  unused  municipal  spaces  to 
innovators,  building  over  100 000  square  me-
tres of start-up incubators and financing citizen 
initiatives. Cooperation extends to involving in-
habitants more in city management, for exam-
ple in redesigning roads to increase pedestrian 
space. In addition, partnerships with other local 
governments and private companies are reviv-
ing neighbourhoods and developing 21st century 
work skills. 

By freeing up spaces for new uses and 
thinking beyond traditional ways of living, 
working and doing business, Paris is building 
a more inclusive, sustainable city ready 
to meet modern challenges.

This  ‘Reinvent  Paris’  approach  made  the  city 
both a runner-up in the 2016 iCapital Awards 
and a 2017 winner. The prize money has fund-
ed more innovation work, the 2018 conference 
for the FabCity network, and the TUMO school 
for free digital and creativity skills training for 
12-18-year-olds. The municipality’s success is 
inspiring a ‘Reinventing Cities’ initiative by the 
European Commission.

“If there is a new idea for a service, 
involve people to innovate fast and 
to make it work.” 

Carine Saloff-Coste, Director of Economic 
Development and Employment, Paris City Hall  

105.4 km2 – 2 140 500 inhabitants – https://www.paris.fr/

16

FEATURED PROJECTS

in IT. Students can choose from various methods 
–  MOOCs,  classical  learning  and  more  hands-on 
approaches – to find the course best adapted to 
their situation.
 ⇢  https://bit.ly/2T991qX

Arc de l’innovation
The  Eastern  part  of  Paris  is  getting  support  for 
local  innovation  to  promote  and  develop  the 
area. The Paris municipality, other local govern-
ments  in  the  region  and  private  companies  are 
behind this initiative.

A large area is covered – over 160 square kilometres, 
with 2.7 million inhabitants. This area is a hotbed of 
creative, digital and social enterprise. It houses most 
of  Paris’  incubators,  co-working  spaces  and  urban 
fab labs, along with numerous experiments such as 
micro farms or recycling initiatives. 

Paris Code/Paris Fabrik
These two initiatives by the Paris municipality are 
helping city residents to develop skills for growing 
industries. 

Each  year,  Paris  Code  provides  free  training  and 
a job guarantee for 1 300 people in response to a 
shortfall in IT professions. Training is provided by pri-
vate  suppliers,  while  IT  businesses  finance  student 
training and support.

ParisFabrik focuses on training for the circular econ-
omy.  Sectors  include  manufacturing,  sustainable 
mobility, waste treatment, reduction in food waste, 
urban agriculture and sustainable buildings. Training 
providers,  businesses  and  non-profit  organisations 
propose courses which the city finances to develop 
skills for emerging industries.

Both programmes are aimed at first-time job-seek-
ers  and  people  looking  for  a  career  change,  includ-
ing  those  without  professional  qualifications.  Paris 
Code also targets women, who are underrepresented 

17

Arc  de  l’Innovation  is  taking  this  enterprise  up 
a  notch.  It  promotes  existing  initiatives,  organises 
networking  meetings,  provides  online  information 
about  resources  and  finances  projects  with  a  local 
impact. Hundreds of initiatives are already on-board 
and feature on an online map. 

Long-term, the project aims to attract new shops 
and  services  to  the  area,  create  jobs,  make  the 
area  more  attractive,  and  foster  cooperation 
among the various local governments. 
 ⇢ https://arcinnovation.fr/

Other  parts  of  the  site  provide  a  well-being  centre, 
cultural  events  and  a  social-enterprise  restaurant, 
among other services.

Activities create opportunities for residents, business 
and the wider public to meet and promote social in-
clusion. The project, which originally ran from 2015 
to  2017,  has  now  been  extended  to  2020,  before 
the site is developed for housing and local services.
 ⇢  https://lesgrandsvoisins.org/ 

Les Grands Voisins
When the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul hospital closed in 
2012, it left 10 000 m² of buildings and an outdoor 
area of 3 500 m² empty in the centre of Paris. The 
building’s owner, the municipality of Paris, allowed 
three  non-profit  organisations  –  Aurore,  Plateau 
Urbain  and  Yes  We  Camp  –  to  take  temporary 
occupation of the site for social innovation. 

The  organisations  have  created  temporary  homes 
for vulnerable people such as ex-rough sleepers and 
foreign job-seekers, and an asylum-seekers’ day cen-
tre. It is also a meeting place for the local people and 
work space for around a hundred small businesses, 
associations, craftspeople, artists and urban farmers. 

PLACE 
A collective of European educational, business and 
government  organisations,  PLACE  helps  refugees 
and  migrants  to  become  a  source  of  innovation 
and economic growth. It hosts two-day workshops 
for migrants to develop products and services for 
problems that they face, matches innovators with 
networks  and  resources,  fosters  leadership  skills 
and promotes collaboration across cultures. 

The  resulting  projects  are  diverse,  covering  tech-
nology,  health,  integration,  the  environment,  food 
and  arts,  and  more.  For  example,  one  project  is 
looking at interactive methods to teach children to 
be more eco-conscious; another is developing ways 
to share memories with distant relatives. 

18

Men and women take part in similar numbers. Partici-
pants, who are typically aged from 21 to 55 and from 
a  mixture  of  professional  and  skilled  backgrounds, 
join activities as both innovators and trainers. Local 
civil society workers are also welcome.

PLACE  is  changing  perceptions  of  migrants  while 
generating value for the local society. The collective 
is  currently  being  extended  to  other  cities  across 
Europe.
 ⇢ https://place.network/

Reinventing Paris/ 
Embellir Paris
These  initiatives  by  the  municipality  of  Paris  are 
relaxing  planning  procedures  to  allow  unused  or 
unattractive  municipal  sites  to  be  repurposed,  in 
cooperation with innovators and future users. 

Reinventing  Paris,  launched  in  2014,  released 
23 sites for redevelopment, including a bus depot, 
an old swimming baths, an electricity substation, 
and empty plots. Following a call that attracted 
372 proposals, sites are being transformed into 
housing,  commercial  and  work  spaces,  with  an 
accent  on  greening  the  cityscape.  A second  call 
has since been launched, this time to redevelop 
unused underground spaces.

Embellir  Paris  follows  the  same  lines  but  on 
a  smaller  scale.  Artists,  collectives  and  associa-
tions have been invited to propose art projects for 
20 of the city’s more jaded streetscapes, with a city 
contribution of EUR 50 000 per site. The artworks 
will be installed by the end of summer 2019, when 
city residents can rediscover and enjoy previously 
neglected spaces.
 ⇢ http://www.reinventer.paris/en/sites/
 ⇢ http://www.embellir.paris/fr/reglement/

19

AARHUS

Runner-up 2017

A city for everyone, a sustainable 
city on the move

Social coherence 
with innovation
Founded by the Vikings, this harbour city fos-

ters inclusion and cooperation along with care 
for  the  environment,  with  help  from  a  local 
volunteering culture. One municipality initiative is 
helping to integrate expats, international students 
and refugees. Other city actions have halved mu-
nicipality CO2 emissions over the last 10 years and 
promoted technology for greener mobility. Numer-
ous  ‘test  beds’  provide  spaces  to  research  and 
experiment with the latest smart city technology, 
maintaining the innovation momentum.  

TAPAS
The  Testbed  in  Aarhus  for  Precision  Positioning  and 
Autonomous Systems (TAPAS) is a free test platform 
for a GPS system being developed to provide accurate, 
fast,  real-time  positioning,  even  for  moving  objects. 
The  system  is  contributing  to  the  city’s  innovation 
goals  by  enabling  businesses,  research  institutions 
and public authorities to develop new areas of activity.

Its 1 cm2 resolution makes it perfect for self-driving 
cars, drones and other smart city solutions, as tech-
nologies like these will depend on centimetre-level 
positioning.

The platform is funded by the Danish Agency for Data 
Supply and Efficiency.
 ⇢ https://bit.ly/2GgKV9z

Aarhus is Denmark’s second-largest and 
fastest-growing city. The municipality wants 
to maintain the city’s social coherence while 
reducing its environmental footprint.  
Tech-savvy innovations are the solution.

“New, valuable innovation happens when 
different bodies and disciplines come 
together. There are great solutions for all 
types of projects.”

Sebastian Bønding Rasmussen,  
Smart City consultant, City of Aarhus 

IOT project on traffic 
and weather
A network of road sensors linked to GPS monitoring 
has  been  set  up  around  Aarhus  to  protect  drivers 
against  winter  weather  and  use  salt-gritting  re-
sources more efficiently.

Data  from  the  sensors  and  GPS  monitoring  is 
matched  with  official  weather  forecasts  to  pre-
dict which roads will be covered in snow and ice in 
the  coming  days.  The  municipality  then  limits  its 
salt-gritting operations to only those roads.

This smart road-protection planning is also good for 
the environment as less salt seeps into the soil and 
fewer gritting journeys are needed, thereby reducing 
maintenance-vehicle emissions.  
 ⇢ www.smartaarhus.eu 

468.87 km2 – 340 400 inhabitants – https://aarhus.dk/english/

20

The city where the future is now 

TALLINN

Runner-up 2017

Dreaming big 
in green tech
Most  services  in  Tallinn  are  paper  free, 

thanks  to  municipal  innovation,  while 
tech start-ups are supported by incuba-

tors and investors from home and abroad.

Innovations for citizen well-being, low-carbon trans-
port  and  the  environment  also  create  a  healthy, 
happy  society  that  nurtures  ideas.  The  iCapital 
prize  money  supports  some  of  these  projects,  as 
well as a Tallinn Technical University professorship 
to improve decisions on smart city topics.

X-Road
Built upon the existing e-Estonia system which pro-
vides e-services for the general public, X-Road is in-
ter alia a cross-border network between Estonia and 
Finland that provides secure document information 
exchange. 

The network was established early in 2018. It al-
lows  Estonia  and  Finland  to  connect  their  federal 
public  and  private  information  systems  in  a  fed-
erated system of some 50 000 organisations, pro-
moting  cooperation  and  communication  between 
the two countries. The network is now implemented 
in eight more countries, including Azerbaijan, Iceland 
and the Faroe Islands.

 ⇢  https://bit.ly/2CE7Ma4

Tallinn is a true e-society, from robot parcel 
deliveries to worldwide digital connections. 
But it is also a green city, where cooperation 
unites communities.

“Tallinn dreams big and delivers. We use 
technology to solve problems wisely and 
share solutions with the international 
community.”

Kristel Kibus, Leading Specialist, City of Tallinn 

Sustainable City 
Gardening Network 
In a fast-growing city, the Sustainable City Garden-
ing Network helps citizens to protect green spaces 
for food production and community use, and is of 
particular value for the young, elderly and disabled.

City-mapping  software  helps  residents  to  identify 
green spaces, such as around an old church. A pub-
lic  consultation  in  early  2017  between  residents 
and  the  Tallinn  Environmental  Board  resulted  in 
271 suggestions for 102 different existing and po-
tential city gardens. Eight community gardens have 
since been built and the project has been expanded 
across the city. 

 ⇢ http://gis.tallinn.ee/linnaaed/
 ⇢  https://bit.ly/2G8Dmk2

159.2 km2 – 441 000 inhabitants – https://tallinn.ee/eng 

21

TEL AVIV

Runner-up 2017

Innovation and entrepreneurship  
in a start-up city

Tap into tech 
awareness

As a young city with limited natural 
resources, Tel Aviv built its economy through 
technological innovation and a willingness 
to take risks. Today, the city’s residents are 
heavy tech adopters and have one of the 
highest rates of start-ups in the world. 

The  municipality  taps  into  these  strengths. 

Open  information-sharing  and  collaboration 
between the municipality, residents and other 
stakeholders  maintain  the  city’s  environment  and 
high quality of life, while over 80 accelerators and 
four  incubators  foster  further  hi-tech  innovation 
and entrepreneurship.

“Tel Aviv has a unique relationship between 
the municipality and residents. We encour-
age innovation to fix problems, expand 
services and collaborate with entrepreneurs.”

Liora Shechter, CIO, Tel Aviv Municipality

DigiTel Resident Card
This  digital  tool  searches  up  to  500  city  services 
and  cultural  events  a  week  to  inform  residents 
about  activities  that  correspond  to  their  possible 
needs.  For  example,  young  parents  might  receive 
notification  of  a  local  storytelling  or  a  link  to  the 
opening of kindergarten registrations. 

Registration for the card gives access to targeted 
notifications  along  with  discounts  for  leisure  fa-
cilities.  Around  210 000  people  have  registered  – 
about half the city population – and the numbers 
are growing.
 ⇢ www.tel-aviv.gov.il/en/Live/ResidentsCard

CityZone 
A collaboration between Tel Aviv university and the 
municipality,  CityZone  is  an  innovation  park  that 
hosts  start-ups,  multinationals,  and  policymakers 
and provides smart tech and mentorship to address 
city challenges. 

Adjacent to a residential neighbourhood, the park is 
a living lab in which to develop, test and demonstrate 
new technologies for mobility, security, governance, 
the environment, education and communities before 
implementation throughout the city. It is also home 
to Tel Aviv’s incubators and accelerators.
 ⇢ www.city-zone.co 

52 km2 – 438 000 inhabitants – www.tel-aviv.gov.il

22

Trust in people leads to trust  
in new ideas

UMEÅ

Runner-up 2017

Innovation through 
trust and knowledge

Umeå’s residents value progress and gender 
equality, resulting in a growing city that is 
attractive to women, men and children alike 
and prides itself on achieving innovation 
through diversity.  

Located at the icy crossroads between north and 

south  Sweden,  regular  contact  with  outsiders 
has taught Umeå to be open to strangers. This 
has  created  a  culture  of  curiosity  and  trust.  High 
education levels and strong public institutions, with 
a  significant  emphasis  on  cooperation  with  NGOs 
and including everyone in decision-making, ensures 
that  people  work  together  to  maintain  the  city’s 
good quality of life.

“The trust is inclusive. It extends to people 
outside the group. If you add knowledge, 
it fosters an innovative ability.”

Anna Olofsson, Head of City Marketing

Gendered landscape tour
Umeå’s  striving  for  gender  equality  has  shaped 
the  city  and  represents  the  work  of  the  muni- 
cipality,  organisations  and  individuals.  A  guided 
bus  tour  includes  landmarks,  buildings  and  art-
works, such as the neon sign ‘nobody puts baby 
in  a  corner’  on  the  façade  of  a  local  hotel,  and 
the  station  tunnel.  The  tunnel  was  designed  to 
be  well-lit  and  broad  to  take  into  consideration 
women’s safety concerns in public spaces.
 ⇢ https://genderedlandscape.umea.se/in-english/

Frizon
Frizon,  or  Freezone,  is  a  meeting  place  for  girls 
and  young  women  in  a  park  in  central  Umeå. 
Teenage  girls  were  asked  to  help  the  architects 
design it when it emerged that this demographic 
did not participate in public consultation on plan-
ning  the  park.  The  result  is  a  covered  area  with 
circular  swings  designed  for  Swedish  women  of 
average height, 1.64 m.  There are Bluetooth-en-
abled speakers and free WiFi access. The Swedish 
National Board of Housing, Building and Planning 
supported the initiative.
 ⇢ https://bit.ly/2WWiB1U

2 317 km 2 – 125 080 inhabitants – www.umea.se

23

AMSTERDAM

iCapital 2016

Act small, fail fast, learn  
quickly and upskill 

Collaborative  
spirit shows  
the way

Bottom-up  creativity  and  inclusion  still  in-

fluence the city today, fuelled by free ac-
cess to data and space to test ideas. This is 
helping the city to face pressures from tourism, 
migration and changing job markets as well as 
more traditional challenges such as maintaining 
the environment, moving around a crowded city 
and addressing social inequalities.  

Modern  collaboration  on  solutions  takes  many 
forms. iCapital prize money has also been used to 
finance a call for local innovation, resulting into 
37 projects. And despite Amsterdam’s small size, 
it  houses  several  partnerships  and  urban  plat-
forms where businesses, researchers and citizens 
can co-develop ideas and learn new skills.

A  global  presence  adds  to  the  mix.  AMS-IX  – 
Europe’s largest internet exchange point – and 
Schiphol  Airport  connect  innovators  to  people 
around the world.

Over the centuries, Amsterdam residents 
have learned to cooperate against the threat 
of floods in their coastal city. They have 
created a society that relies on creativity and 
collaboration, based on openness, innovation 
and pragmatism.

Meanwhile,  at  the  heart  of  Amsterdam  inno-
vation  is  an  open,  innovation-friendly  spirit.  If 
municipality staff or city inhabitants see some-
thing that needs fixing, they are challenged to 
develop  their  own  solution  directly,  and  either 
try again or collaborate with others to build on 
their success.

“The award had a strong impact on 
the city. It has put innovation on the 
political agenda.”

Gerard den Boer, Manager (EU) Grants and 
Incentives at the City of Amsterdam 

219.32 km2 – 854 000 inhabitants – https://www.amsterdam.nl/en

24

FEATURED PROJECTS

DECODE
In a world with an increasingly centralised inter-
net,  the  DECODE  project  provides  IT  tools  that 
enable users to decide whether to keep their per-
sonal information private or share it for the public 
good. The aim is to address concerns about loss 
of  control  over  personal  information  and  its  use 
by internet companies for profit.

DECODE brings together researchers from 14 re-
search  and  government  organisations  in  Europe, 
including  Amsterdam  and  Barcelona  municipali-
ties. It is funded by the EU under its Horizon 2020 
research programme. 

The project team is creating, testing and demonstrat-
ing a distributed open architecture for managing per-
sonal and other data online, where users can choose 
who can access their information. 

Four  European  pilot  studies  –  one  in  Amsterdam 
– will investigate the societal value of giving indi-
viduals the power to take control of their personal 
data  while  allowing  innovators  to  build  apps  and 
services that respond to individual needs and those 
of the wider community.
 ⇢ https://decodeproject.eu/

Amsterdammers,  
Maak je Stad!
EUR  600 000  of  Amsterdam’s  iCapital  Award  was 
used to fund local, bottom-up innovations in Amster-
dammers, Maak je Stad! This accelerator programme 
helps  citizens  and  social  entrepreneurs  to  improve 
the city’s liveability. Of the 475 projects applying for 
funds,  37  were  winners,  chosen  for  their  inclusivity 
and innovativeness by leading Amsterdam citizens. 

25

Although  initiatives  covered  many  areas,  the  ac-
celerator focused on projects for health and skills. 
For example, Smart Bricks has created a techno- 
logy  people  can  use  to  measure  environmental 
issues such as air quality, while MON€Y SCHOOL 
teaches children how to manage money.

As  well  as  finance,  project  leaders  are  offered 
workshops  and  training  over  six  months  and  ac-
cess  to  a  network  of  experts  from  the  City  of 
Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Economic Board and 
Amsterdam Smart City, which support the project 
along with Kennisland, Pakhuis de Zwijger, Waag 
Society and the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced 
Metropolitan Solutions.
 ⇢ https://maakjestad.amsterdam/

This limited reduction in regulatory obstacles encour-
ages  social  and  business  innovation,  especially  by 
small organisations. In addition, events are allowed 
without permits but within a few rules to avoid nui-
sance  to  local  residents.  The  main  rules  are  that 
there can be a maximum of eight food trucks, stalls 
or other mobile outlets in the area which must be in 
addition to the business’ existing offer.

The first two freezones were in Jan Evertsenstraat 
and Rijnstraat, residential and business areas to the 
south of the historic city centre. A third has been es-
tablished at Osdorpplein towards the western edge 
of Amsterdam.
 ⇢  https://www.amsterdam.nl/ondernemen/

freezone/

Freezones
In these areas, people can use public space with-
out licences or permission to make stagnant areas 
more  attractive  and  livelier.  For  example,  a  shop 
can place a planter outside, hand out products to 
the public or advertise outside its building without 
having to ask the municipality first. 

Startup in Residence
Founded  in  2015,  the  Startup  in  Residence  pro-
gramme  connects  start-ups  and  scale-ups  with 
key social challenges in Amsterdam. Both Dutch 
and  international  entrepreneurs  are  invited  to 
find solutions in collaboration with the local gov-
ernment, benefiting the city as well as its citizens. 

26

Among Startup alumni are the Great Bubble Bar-
rier, which keeps plastic in Amsterdam canals out 
of the sea, and Koppl, an online platform enabling 
people to request local help in times of need.  

Start-ups accepted into the programme follow a six-
month course on business, legal and financial topics. 
In  addition,  there  is  a  series  of  workshops  on  how 
the City of Amsterdam works, for example when it 
makes  decisions  and  procures  services,  along  with 
the  support  of  professional  coaches  or  mentors. 
Working  space  and  access  to  the  municipality’s 
network is also provided.

Once ready, a start-up can launch a solution inde-
pendently or ask the City of Amsterdam to become 
an investor or launching customer.
 ⇢ https://startupinresidence.com

Resilio 
Smart green roofs with enhanced water retention 
will  be  installed  on  10 000  m2  of  social  housing 
complexes in Amsterdam in the Resilio project. The 
innovative structures reduce impacts from climate 
change on residents and neighbourhoods, including 
flooding from higher rainfall, higher temperatures 
and more droughts. 

The roofs store excess water under a green plant lay-
er to reduce chances of damage to houses and their 
surroundings. In hot weather, this water layer enhanc-
es the green layer’s cooling effect. A smart control in 
each roof anticipates heavy rain or drought, releasing 
or retaining water accordingly, while a network ena-
bles remote water regulation. Resilio is developing an 
innovative smart grid that will manage water levels 
dynamically, to increase the system’s efficiency.

Resilio, funded by a grant from the EU’s Urban In-
novative  Actions  initiative,  shows  how  innovation 
can go hand in hand with social and environmental 
justice.
 ⇢  https://www.uia-initiative.eu/en/uia-cities/

amsterdam 

27

TORINO

Runner-up 2016

City lab for change

Opening up a 
smarter society
Public  and  private 

innovation-led  orga-
nisations are flocking to Turin, drawn by its 
flourishing  ecosystem  as  well  as  city  test 
lab facilities – Torino City Lab – upgraded using 
the iCapital prize money.

For wider innovation across society, the munici-
pality is adding in affordable open labs, funding, 
public-private  partnership,  and  advice  to  foster 
start-ups,  while  empowering  citizens  to  make 
their city an attractive and inspiring place to live.

Turin prides itself on its openness, with 
a young population eager to test ideas. 
The municipality combines technical and social 
innovation to create opportunities for all.

“We have to be attractive to potential 
innovation. This creates jobs, new 
technology, new business and new social 
services.”

Gianfranco Presutti, Director of Innovation  
and EU Funds Department

Torino Social Impact
Social entrepreneurship is flourishing in Turin, thanks 
to an innovation strategy that includes Torino Social 
Impact online platform. This open ecosystem brings 
together over 50 companies, non-profits, and public 
and private institutions active in developing high-tech 
solutions for social needs.

Hundreds  of  citizens  use  the  platform  to  find  project 
partners, combining services such as technical expertise, 
impact investment, office space and coaching.

By providing this hub to help people make connections 
and access resources, the city is raising its profile as an 
attractive place for talent and investments.
 ⇢ www.torinosocialimpact.it

Co-City
The  Co-City  project  is  reducing  social  exclusion  in 
Turin  by  empowering  people  to  transform  their 
neighbourhoods and fostering innovation in some of 
the city’s poorest areas. 

Residents  agree  ‘collaboration  pacts’  with  local 
authorities that set out how abandoned buildings 
and  spaces  can  be  regenerated  for  public  use. 
New social enterprises are being created, provid-
ing  job  opportunities  in  areas  of  relatively  high 
unemployment. 

Co-City is an Urban Innovative Action funded by the 
European Regional Development Fund. 
 ⇢ www.uia-initiative.eu/en/uia-cities/turin 

130.17 km2 – 878 074 inhabitants – www.comune.torino.it

28

Getting in touch with the EU

IN PERSON
All over the European Union there are hundreds of Europe Direct information centres. You can 
find the address of the centre nearest you at: https://europa.eu/european-union/contact_en

ON THE PHONE OR BY E-MAIL
Europe Direct is a service that answers your questions about the European Union.  
You can contact this service:
– by freephone: 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 (certain operators may charge for these calls), 
– at the following standard number: +32 22999696 or 
– by email via: https://europa.eu/european-union/contact_en

Finding information about the EU

ONLINE
Information about the European Union in all the official languages of the EU is available  
on the Europa website at: https://europa.eu/european-union/index_en

EU PUBLICATIONS
You can download or order free and priced EU publications at: https://publications.europa.
eu/en/publications. Multiple copies of free publications may be obtained by contacting Europe 
Direct or your local information centre (see https://europa.eu/european-union/contact_en).

EU LAW AND RELATED DOCUMENTS
For access to legal information from the EU, including all EU law since 1952 in all the official 
language versions, go to EUR-Lex at: http://eur-lex.europa.eu

OPEN DATA FROM THE EU
The EU Open Data Portal (http://data.europa.eu/euodp/en) provides access to datasets  
from the EU. Data can be downloaded and reused for free, both for commercial and  
non-commercial purposes.

PICTURES CREDITS:

Cover: ©European Commission, DG Research and Innovation

Inside pages:

p. 4: ©European Commission – p. 8: iStock/934906480 ©milangonda – p. 9: ©NiAN-Nikos Anagnostopoulos – p. 10: ©NiAN-Nikos 
Anagnostopoulos – p. 11: ©NiAN-Nikos Anagnostopoulos – p. 12: ©Ralph Larmann – p. 13: ©Karl Bruninx – p. 14: iStock/1096991840 
©saiko3p – p. 15: iStock/1086149708 ©Mark Zhu – p. 16: ©iStock/922005654 ©Augustin Lazarolu – p. 17: iStock/1042569776 
©Drazen_; iStock/912117660 ©igor_kell – p. 18: ©Lisa George – Yes We Camp; iStock/533449058 ©Bychykhin_Olexandr –  
p. 19: ©UP/SIDE/DOWN/TOWN – p. 20: ©Dennis Borup – p. 21: iStock/834550564 ©Sean Pavone – p. 22: iStock/1027063558 ©vitacopS 
– p. 23: iStock/531123447 ©Niklas Emmoth – p. 24: iStock/590047232 ©tunart – p. 25: ©decode – p. 26: ©Freezones – p. 27: ©Resilio –  
p. 28: AdobeStock/134924528 ©Cardaf.

The annual European Capital of Innovation Awards recognise European cities 

that have best harnessed innovation to improve life for their inhabitants. 

Funded under Horizon 2020, the EU’s research and innovation programme, and 

chosen by an independent expert jury, the Awards reward inspiring innovation 

approaches that address every aspect of city life – from technology, business 

and mobility through to social cohesion, the environment and sustainability. 

This booklet provides an overview of some of the unique solutions from 

the 2016-2018 Award winners and runners-up. It also shows how some 

have used their prize money to take innovation to new levels, as part 

of a Europe-wide network of iCapital cities.

All cities can learn from these finalists, and be inspired to take their own 

innovation to new heights as a potential #iCapitalAwards city.

Research and Innovation policy

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doi:10.2777/13415