The European Commission recently launched an initiative to increase digitalisation awareness and readiness of EU communities, which aims to support all cities and regions that are in their digital transformation process, providing resources, best practices and training for the development of digitalisation strategies. The Smart Region office of Flanders, Agence du Numérique and Paradigm Brussels have joined this initiative as a member of the Smart Communities Network on behalf of Belgium.

On 2 April, the Smart Region Office will join forces with colleagues from Brussels and Wallonia for a new edition of the 'Smart Region Partner Day'. During this half-day, we will address the digital transformation of local and regional administrations, from a European perspective. Many initiatives at European level can contribute to this transformation. A goal often set is the development of a digital twin that allows data to be applied and new situations to be simulated to estimate the impact of policies. To achieve this vision, much remains to be done. During this morning, we will engage in a conversation and put on the table a number of issues raised by the Belgian local administrations themselves. We hope you are interested in participating in this discussion and that you will be able to attend on April 2nd. 

Practical Information 

Date: April 2, 2025 (morning) 

Location: Herman Teirlinck Building, Tour & Taxis 

Language: Preference for English, but participants are free to speak their own language. 

Moderators: Ken Daems & Nils Walravens (Smart Region Office), and Olivier Lefevre (Paradigm Brussels) 

This event is organised within the framework of the European Smart Communities Network, of which Belgium is a member, with the Smart Region Office representing Flanders and Paradigm Brussels representing the Brussels Capital Region and Wallonia. 

Agenda 

09:00-09:30 Welcome with coffee 

09:30-09:40  Welcome Address 

• Jan Smedts, Head of Digital Flanders 

• Helen Köpman, DG Connect 

09:40-10:00 Introduction: Smart Communities in Europe 

An introduction to why digital transformation and effective data management are becoming increasingly crucial for policymaking, and how EU initiatives (e.g., Living-in.EU and EC Support Services) can support this process. 

• Martine Delannoy, Digital Flanders 

10:00-10:30 Local Digital Twins: A Goal? 

This session presents inspiring examples from Belgium on how digital twins contribute to climate goals. Best practices and lessons learned will be shared. 

• Martin Canter, Head of Smart Region Hub 

• Lucas Verbanck, Leiedal – Twin for Resilience Project 

10:30-11:10 From (Open) Data Platforms to Data Spaces to Local Digital Twins 

How do we work with data? What is needed, what are data spaces, how can they be used, and where can support be found? This session provides insights into the evolution from data platforms to digital twins. 

• Thimo Toeye, OASC 

• Isabelle Rawart, Agence du Numérique 

11:10-11:25 Coffee Break 

11:25-12:20 Interactive Discussion on Local Digital Twins 

Many challenges remain regarding digital twins, and the concept itself is up for debate. We will engage in a conversation with various cities and the audience. 

Moderator: Audrey Lebas, Smart City Institute HEC Liège 

• Tim Guily, City of Leuven 

• Isabelle Rawart, Agence du Numérique 

• Mathijs Dewaele, City of Ostend 

12:20-12:35  Plan Your Digital Transformation with European Support 

LORDIMAS is a tool that helps measure digital maturity and supports the development of an action plan. Testimonials from cities that have used the tool will be shared. 

• Genoveva Gil García, Serendipity 

12:35-13:00  Support Ecosystems and EU-Level Funding 

An overview of the available European support, both in terms of ecosystems and financial opportunities. 

• Helen Köpman, DG Connect 

• Karl-Filip Coenegrachts, OASC 

13:00-13:10  Next Steps 

The moderators will conclude the day with an overview of the next steps. 

13:10-14:00 Lunch & Networking