Combining the Smart-Cities-Initiative and Danube Region Strategy

The Climate and Energy Fund (set up 2007 by the Austrian government) develops new, innovative methods of climate protection and a sustainable energy policy. Funds flow in climate protection and energy projects which focus on research, mobility and market penetration. Sustainability and efficiency are the cornerstones of all of its measures. The Smart Cities Initiative (since late 2010) of the Climate and Energy Fund includes development of strategies, technologies and solutions which support energy-efficient and climate-friendly lifestyle. The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna perceives itself as a teaching and research center for renewable resources, which are necessary for human life. It is an important hub considering the connection of the universities of the Danube countries and it makes considerable contributions within the EU Danube Region Strategy. Concerning the further development of the Smart Cities Initiative of the Climate and Energy Fund the Universität für Bodenkultur Wien is a qualified cooperation partner. Characterized by the diversity in its fields of study and the connection between natural sciences, engineering and economic sciences, the University wishes to increase knowledge of the ecologically and economically sustainable use of natural resources. The Smart Cities Initiative too aims to connect different sectors and to create added-value in a structural, organizational, technical and methodical way. The interdisciplinary cooperation of scientists of the Department of Landscape, Spatial and Infrastructure Sciences (RALI) and of the Center for Global Change and Sustainability should lead to widespread questions and creative solutions. The Climate and Energy Fund in cooperation with the Universität für Bodenkultur Wien aims to connect the Smart Cities Initiative of the Climate and Energy Fund with the EU Danube Region Strategy. The objective is to identify the relevant actors and to exchange know how between Austria and other European cities within the Danube Region (e.g. Budapest, Bratislava, Belgrade) by organizing workshops. The results should contribute to a focal point of support called „Smart Cities Danube Region“ and should help to establish a long-term cooperation between the cities of the Danube Region.