The joint POLIS meeting of the Small and Medium Sized Cities Platform (SMC) and Regions Working Group took place this past September in Vic (Spain). The meeting was a unique change to exchange perspectives on topics such as urban freight and innovation, bringing projects such as ESCALATE to the spotlight.

In September, the joint meeting of POLIS’ SMC Platform and the Regions Working Group was held in Vic. This event served as a valuable forum for cities, regions, and mobility organisations across Europe to come together and share insights, experiences, and best practices on various urban mobility challenges. A key focus of the discussions was on topics like urban freight, citizen engagement, and fostering innovation in sustainable transport.

One of the standout features of the event was the spotlight on several impactful projects, including ESCALATE. The joint meeting not only facilitated the exchange of knowledge but also provided a crucial opportunity to highlight how such projects are driving real change on the ground.

Representatives from POLIS took to the stage to introduce the ESCALATE project, offering the attendees a deeper understanding of the project, from its overarching objectives to the specific pilots. Key aspects of the project, such as its methodology and the steps being taken to ensure its success, were also outlined, helping attendees see how ESCALATE uses efficient partner collaboration and innovative technology to move forward.

By highlighting ESCALATE and other pioneering projects, the event underlined the importance of multilevel governance and cooperation between cities, regions, and stakeholders in creating more sustainable, inclusive, and smarter transport systems.

For those interested in learning more about how POLIS Working Groups support such initiatives, you can find additional information here.