Within the context of the CommuniCity project, the open call format perfectly aligned with its mission to bridge the digital divide and empower marginalised communities. By fostering collaboration, local focus, and the inclusion of diverse expertise, the open call increased the likelihood of identifying and implementing truly innovative solutions. These solutions have the potential to make a real difference in the lives of residents within participating cities.
By granting cities an active role in the open call process, the CommuniCity project guaranteed a direct link between proposed solutions and the specific urban challenges faced by participating communities. Local stakeholders and professionals, wielding their profound understanding of these city-specific challenges, collaborated closely with the piloting teams working to address them.
Furthermore, the open format transcended geographical boundaries, attracting a wider pool of talent beyond the established networks of the partnering cities. This influx of diverse expertise – from individuals specialised in certain artificial intelligence technologies to those with profound experience in social sciences – enriched the innovation landscape. This synergy between local focus and European wide reach fostered a more fertile ground for groundbreaking technological innovations, where established approaches were challenged by unconventional thinking.
Moreover, the open call served as a catalyst for collaboration. Cities, NGOs, technology providers, and residents brought together their skills and worked side by side to tackle the challenges of their respective cities. For example, cities could leverage the technological expertise of technology providers, while piloting teams gained access to professionals and residents from participating cities. This collaborative spirit not only strengthened the development of solutions but also laid the foundation for successful implementation through combined resources and expertise.
