Through an innovative legal instrument, the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (“EDIC”), EU Member States can now work closer together in steering the implementation and use of digital technologies. The recently established EDIC “Networked Local Digital Twins Towards the CitiVerse” will drive innovation to local and regional environments throughout the EU by adopting cutting-edge AI-based technologies. This Pre-launch session will provide participants with information and the opportunity to exchange ideas on the EDIC development.

Agenda
10:30 Welcome speech by Jan Smedts, CEO Digitaal Vlaanderen

10:45 Setting the scene by Martin Bailey, Head of Unit, DG Connect, European Commission

11:00 “The Challenge of Speed – harnessing technology in cities in the age of AI” by Jarmo Eskelinen, Executive Director Data-Driven Innovation Initiative, University of Edinburgh

11:30 Boosting Innovation through the EDIC, by Ernesto Faubel and Jordi Ortuno Ribe, Chair and Deputy Chair of the EDIC

11:50 Panel Debate: How to sustain the collaboration within the EDIC in function of supporting the triple transition in cities and regions.

• Lieven Raes, Advisor, Digitaal Vlaanderen
• Ide Vandenbroucke, Smart City Coördinator, City of Bruges
• Walter Lohman, Senior Scientist, TNO

Moderator: Martine Delannoy

12:30 Lunch

UPDATE:

The recording of the event is now available here. A re-cap post is available on LinkedIn here.