Trailblazing Inclusive, Sustainable and Resilient Cities

Project Information

InCITIES

Grant agreement ID: 101071330

DOI

10.3030/101071330

Project closed

EC signature date 15 May 2022

Start date 1 October 2022

End date 30 September 2025

Funded under

• Widening participation and spreading excellence

Total cost

€ 1 964 601,76

EU contribution

€ 1 964 601,76

Coordinated by

Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa
Portugal

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - InCITIES (Trailblazing Inclusive, Sustainable and Resilient Cities)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The InCITIES project was conceived to achieve the transformation of higher education institutions (HEIs) within their urban ecosystems, placing the needs of inclusive, sustainable, and resilient cities at its core. InCITIES has 4 objectives:
1) Strategies towards research-based sustainable universities including open science and career opportunities.
2) Build a long-term network of participating HEIs and surrounding ecosystems based on integrated knowledge HUBs.
3) Increase scientific, technological and staff capacity by sharing the best pedagogical, research, management and administrative practices within the consortium.
4) Promote digitally driven universities by creating an open and innovative education and training platform in synergy with the project research and innovation agenda on inclusive, sustainable and resilient cities.

To realise these ambitions, InCITIES jointly developed five methodological methods:
1) Construction of a shared research mapping method to define common scientific priorities.
2) The deployment of capacity-building actions based on the Learning by Developing (LbD) pedagogical model;
3) Talent scout and career opportunity strategy to enhance human capital development;
4) Capacity building on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across partner HEIs; and 5) Framework for addressing enablers and barriers to the integration of the InCITIES HEIs.

The capacity-building actions carried out during the project directly support the engagement with the European University Initiative (EUI), while simultaneously reinforcing the European Research Area (ERA), the European Education Area (EEA), and Europe’s evolving vision for research and innovation cooperation.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The InCITIES project achieved major progress in scientific and institutional dimensions. It established knowledge HUBs for research and innovation, based on surveys across partner universities to identify trends in seven key areas: urban transitions, nature, energy, vulnerability and health, mobility, digital transition, and sustainable cities. These surveys shaped collaborative initiatives, supported by scientific cafés, shared roadmaps, and 22 validated case studies. The InCITIES Observatory (https://incities.iscte-iul.pt/) was launched as an indicator-driven tool to compare inclusion, sustainability, and resilience across cities.
Talent development was another priority. A dedicated working group reviewed HR strategies, aligning with the European Charter and Code. Two institutions — ISCTE and UNIZA —earned the HR Excellence in Research Award. Similarly, a consortium-wide EDI survey informed a joint Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion plan, signed by all HEI rectors and presidents supported by capacity-building actions.
Educational integration was advanced through frameworks for joint degrees, micro-credentials, mobility, and identification of needed alignment of digital systems, alongside policy recommendations for European and national stakeholders. Finally, the Pedagogical Model Strategic Plan introduced a common curriculum on Inclusive, Sustainable, and Resilient cities, complemented by the Learning by Developing approach. Pilot activities in Portugal and Slovakia included Blended Intensive Programs, engaging students, staff, researchers, and local stakeholders in hands-on urban problem-solving.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

InCITIES: Shaping Inclusive, Sustainable and Resilient Cities
The InCITIES project is driving change in three key areas: science, society, and sustainable urban development. Our mission? To create knowledge, empower people, and build cities that are inclusive, resilient, and future-ready.

Advancing Science
We’ve built knowledge HUBs and launched collaborative research networks that spark innovation. These efforts have mapped out priority research topics, shared frameworks, and roadmaps for the future. The result? New ideas, interdisciplinary breakthroughs, and knowledge shared through courses, publications, and conferences.

Empowering Society
Diversity matters. Through Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives, we’re making academia more inclusive. We’ve assessed current practices, designed strategies, and implemented actions to open doors for underrepresented groups. This means better opportunities, stronger retention, and a richer, more creative research environment.

Transforming Urban Development
Our Learning by Developing (LbD) model equips students with real-world skills to tackle challenges in Inclusive, Sustainable, and Resilient (ISR) cities. From Lisbon to Žilina, we’ve piloted programs, created teaching frameworks, and launched online training. The goal? A skilled workforce ready to build greener, smarter, and stronger communities.

What We’ve Achieved
• Knowledge HUBs for collaborative research and innovation.
• Better talent development and career pathways.
• Stronger EDI practices in academia.
• A hands-on Pedagogical Model for ISR cities.
• Global reach through publications, conferences, and partnerships.
Two exciting pilot projects in Lisbon and Žilina have already put these ideas into action.

Follow our journey and join the conversation: https://incities.eu

InCITIES MB meeting UNI EIFFEL Paris October 2023

InCITIES MB meeting UNIZA Zilina April 2025