Introduction

On 20 February 2025, the Smart Communities Network held an online meeting, bringing together 43 participants from across the European Union.

This network, composed of associations and organisations with a local outreach, focuses on digital transformation in all 27 EU member states (Hungary not represented in the network yet). Its unique value? An EU-wide initiative driving local digital progress. Ensuring that municipalities can access and use new digital tools effectively is key to fostering inclusive digital transformation. The network is a vital platform for collaboration, capacity-building and sharing practical solutions from a local perspective across the EU.

The February meeting aimed to:

• exchange best practices between network members on organising dissemination and training sessions on digital transformation for local governments
• discuss the role of the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (LDT CitiVERSE EDIC) in fostering future cross-border collaboration on digital projects
• highlight the tools at hand to support local authorities in their digital steps.

Key discussions

1. Welcome & purpose of the meeting

The European Commission opened the meeting, emphasising the importance of knowledge-sharing and collaboration in supporting local governments in their digital transition.

2. Sharing experiences: dissemination & training

Members from different countries shared insights and challenges in organising dissemination and training sessions. Best practices were presented by:

• Bulgaria – successful strategies in both dissemination and training.
• Denmark, Lithuania, Portugal, Germany and Spain – focused on training initiatives.

Key takeaways for effective sessions included:

• Using the local language to ensure accessibility.
• Clearly communicating the benefits for participants.
• Tailoring content to the specific needs of local communities (via prior consultation).
• Incorporating local speakers and context for relevance. 1
• Leveraging project support staff and involving speakers from other countries.
• Recognising that digital topics may not always be a priority for every municipality.
• Making sessions interactive using tools like Slido and Mentimeter.
• Ensuring solid logistical preparation (technical checks, venue visits, pre-designed templates).
• Keeping training sessions close to dissemination events to maintain engagement.
• Hosting separate, hands-on workshops for specific tools like LORDIMAS (digital maturity assessment).

3. Support services

The meeting highlighted important digital tools that are available to help local authorities in their digital steps:

• LORDIMAS – A tool to assess digital maturity, find out more via this link
• Procurement templates – 15 standardised templates for digital procurement are uploaded on the Living-in.EU website in three categories: infrastructure (hardware), platforms (front-end software) and application services (back-end software).
• Online Procurement helpdesk – A support center to guide municipalities in developing tailored digital roadmaps. Express your interest here.

4. Looking ahead

• The Smart Communities Network will meet again in May or June 2025.
• In the long term, the idea is that the network could evolve into the LDT CitiVERSE EDIC, a newly established ecosystem for smart city development. An EDIC (European Digital Infrastructure Consortium) is a collaboration between multiple European countries to develop digital projects. CitiVERSE EDIC is an initiative that connects local digital twins across European cities, enabling better urban planning through real-time data and AI-driven simulations. Officially launched on 12 December 2024, CitiVERSE EDIC is still in the process of being fully developed operationally. The Smart Communities Network will be consulted to help shape its implementation. Currently, CitiVERSE EDIC brings together 14 EU countries and continues to expand, with the goal of making cities smarter, more efficient and more sustainable.

Conclusion

The local level is key in the EU’s sustainable digital transformation. The unique Smart Communities Network, spanning the entire EU, is key in bringing them onboard. Thanks to the tools developed by the European Commission’s Local Digital Twin projects, local authorities can use practical and free instruments in their digital steps. In the future, the LDT CitiVERSE EDIC will be the hub for digital transformation, fostering cross-border collaboration between the local, regional and national level.