In the fourth episode of Urban Reverb “Taking the Initiative(s)” examines smart city related initiatives. Therefore, Noirin Ni Earcain, seconded national expert in technologies for smart communities, DG Connect, and Serge Novaretti, Policy and Programme Manager, DG Connect were invited to speak about LivingIn.eu. This episode covers three initiatives in total, one of which is the European Bauhaus. Francesca Bria, President of the Italian National Innovation Fund, and expert for the High-Level Roundtable on the New European Bauhaus speaks about this initiative and its implications for smart cities. The Covenant of Mayors is covered by María Cruz Ferreira-Costa: Managing Director at Murcia City Council dealing with energy, energy efficiency and climate change and the Covenant of Mayors to give a city perspective on the topic of smart city initiatives.

In the third episode of Urban Reverb “Make the Match – Striking a Deal between Cities and Finance”, the Smart Cities Marketplace Matchmakers Eelco Kruizinga and Jorge Rodrigues de Almeida speak about the Marketplace’s Matchmaking activities, how it works, what its aims are and more. Malvine Socaci, Deputy Mayor of Vulcan, Romania, gives insights into the city perspective on funding and the Matchmaking Masterclass. On the other hand, Jessica Stromback, CEO of Joule Assets, provides the investor aspect. She speaks about what the European Market looks like, what cities need, and what kind of investment is needed.

The second episode of Urban Reverb “Climate Neutral Cities = Smart Cities”, a podcast series by the Smart Cities Marketplace invited Deputy Director General of the European Commission’s DG MOVE, Matthew Baldwin. In this podcast Matthew Baldwin speaks about the mission “100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030”. He also speaks about funds, investment, and the importance of citizen engagement in cities. How can the goal of 100 climate-neutral cities by 2030 be achieved?

What is the Smart Cities Marketplace? This is the question answered in this first episode of Urban Reverb “Ready, Set, Action (cluster)!”. Judith Borsboom, coordinator of the Smart Cities Marketplace Action Clusters, explains the concept and work of the Action Clusters as well as their role in the Smart Cities Marketplace. Katrina Folland is the Head of the Smart Cities Marketplace’s Heating and Cooling Initiative. She elaborates on all the outputs of the Initiatives like workshops, guidance documents and more. The third speaker in this episode is Paul Cartuyvels who is leading the Action Cluster on Sustainable Districts and Built Environment. He speaks about his Action Cluster’s aims and what they have done so far.