Green Digital Charter
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Amsterdam (Photo CC0 – Public Domain)
Last Friday (8 march 2016) during a ceremony organised in the European Committee of the Regions (Brussels), Amsterdam became the new European Capital of Innovation (iCapital).
This price has been attributed by the European Commission to reward the city’s efforts on finding innovative solutions to improve life of its citizens and boost its local economy. The winner of this competition, launched only last year, scooped the pot of €950,000 to be used on further boosting innovation.
The strength of Amsterdam lies in its holistic approach, as the city promotes innovation investment in four areas of urban life: governance, economics, social inclusion and quality of life, relying on the active participation of “smart citizens” to transform the city. Initiatives go from a high-tech e-parking system to programming courses for children. The city is also an important hub for start-ups.
Amsterdam is one signatory of the Green Digital Charter, testifying of its commitment in putting innovative solutions at the service of the fight against climate change. Digital technologies create real opportunities for increasing energy efficiency and facilitate emission reductions, in particular in the context of big cities.
Torino, another signatory of GDC, was selected as runner-up and will thus receive €100,000 to fund future initiatives.
Congratulations to both of them!
Seeking for more information?
- Press Release, “Amsterdam is the European Capital of Innovation 2016”, European Commission, 8 April 2016
- Why not your city? Click here to know more about this year’s results and conditions of application.
- Watch teasers on the finalists on the ‘Innovation Union’ YouTube channel
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