EUROCITIES Social Innovation Lab - 30 May - 1 June 2023, Braga

Background

The rapid pace of technological change presents both opportunities and challenges for cities across Europe. The European Union recognises that digital technologies can play a transformative role in improving the lives of citizens. However, this potential can be only realised if these technologies are accessible and affordable for all. Cities are increasingly adopting digital technologies such as Artificial intelligence (AI), Machine learning (ML), blockchain technologies, or Internet of Things (IoT) devices, to improve public services and well-being, better interact with citizens, increase competitiveness, and address environmental challenges. Cities are therefore trying to ensure that the social benefits of digital transitions are shared and maximised equitably, especially among those living in marginalised communities.

To provide a fair, human-focused digital transformation, the European Commission issued a series of strategic documents, including Transition Pathway for Proximity and Social Economy and EU Social Economy Action Plan, which outline policy priorities and a roadmap for the digital transformation of and through social economy at different levels of governance. Europe’s Digital Decade policy programme prioritises affordable, reliable and secure digital infrastructure, promotion of digital education and skills, digital entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as the use of digital technologies to address social and environmental challenges. Finally, the European declaration on digital rights and principles for the digital decade emphasises the overall EU commitment to ensure ethical, human centric and democratic digital development.

Digital transformation has the potential to benefit marginalised inhabitants in cities by increasing access to information, improving service delivery, and creating new economic opportunities. Thanks to their connection to citizens and marginalised communities, social economy actors such as social enterprises and cooperatives can be important partners for the municipal governments in the process of achieving fair digital transition on the local level. Many cities have already initiated innovative projects with social economy actors, citizens and academia to ensure that the benefits offered by technologies are accessible to the most vulnerable and that digital transformation is inclusive and affordable. Other cities are harnessing the power of digital social innovation by building digital infrastructure, providing access to technologies and digital skills training to facilitate citizens’ participation in the digital economy, while contributing to social inclusion and more resilient communities. Involving citizens in the development and implementation of digital solutions enables cities to create solutions which are responsive to local needs and priorities.

Expected outcome

During the Social Innovation Lab, participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share practices, and learn from each other about applying digital tools to solve social issues at the local level. Through co-creation and discussion, participants will build innovative solutions and alternative municipal measures such as policies, projects, and approaches. Eurocities will then use the outcomes of these discussions to collect good practices and showcase the strong role that cities play in pursuing innovative approaches for a fair digital transformation through social economy ecosystem. These outcomes will also be used for Eurocities advocacy efforts aiming to integrate digital policies and initiatives into the European Pillar of social rights and other key EU strategies.