GINEVRA project partners gathered in the historic city of Varaždin (Croatia) for the Fourth Partners Meeting, uniting representatives from cities across Central Europe in a collaborative effort to advance urban mobility and transformative governance. This event, which took place on November 6 and 7, 2024, provided a platform for partners to align on strategic goals, share practical insights, and explore pioneering technologies set to shape the future of urban mobility in Central Europe.
Building Strategies for Sustainable Urban Innovation
The meeting sessions, held at the Student Centre Varaždin, opened with updates on project progress and recent achievements. An overview of Work Package 1 highlighted key frameworks for citizen-centred governance, addressing how cities can responsibly integrate autonomous vehicles and other transformative innovations. Strategic discussions continued with insights on the next steps, including project demonstrations in Cesena (Italy), Bad Schoenborn (Germany), and Varaždin (Croatia), marking important phases in implementing autonomous mobility solutions within real urban settings. An interactive session led by the Technical University of Wien and ALDA+ invited partners to share best practices, experiences, and local perspectives on their respective pilot projects. This collaborative exchange deepened the project’s focus on creating adaptable solutions that cater to each city’s unique challenges and aspirations, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainable urban governance.
Study Visit: A Glimpse into the Future of Mobility
The second day included a hands-on study visit, starting with the Varaždin Airport pilot area, a real-world testbed for GINEVRA’s initiatives in autonomous mobility. This visit underscored the potential of integrating autonomous technologies to improve urban services and enhance citizen experiences. Partners then had a tour of Rimac Automobili, a leader in electric and autonomous vehicle innovation. Observing Rimac’s cutting-edge advancements offered a concrete vision of how forward-thinking technology can support sustainable urban transport, highlighting the balance between innovation and responsible governance, a core tenet of GINEVRA’s mission.
Looking Ahead: Shaping Central Europe’s Urban Future
The Fourth GINEVRA Partners Meeting in Varaždin was a significant step in advancing the project’s mission to empower Central European cities with sustainable, citizen-oriented technology solutions. Through the insights, partnerships, and strategies fostered over these two days, the GINEVRA consortium strengthened its dedication to responsible innovation in urban governance, setting a foundation for impactful, long-term transformation across the region. As the GINEVRA project moves forward, partners remain focused on developing governance models that ensure technological advancements contribute positively to urban life. With every meeting, study visit, and collaborative effort, the project inches closer to its vision of resilient, future-ready cities that prioritise inclusivity and sustainability. Stay tuned for more updates as GINEVRA partners advance their mission, bringing transformative urban solutions to life across Central Europe.
