With Martin Brynskov in the lead of Centre for Digital Transformation in Cities and Communities we are deeply involved in the Join, Boost, Sustain movement, which is seen as a first step towards shaping a European approach for digital transformation, that differs from that of other global competitors.

More than 60 EU, national, regional and city leaders have already signed the political declaration, pledging to contribute to a voluntary joint investment plan to boost sustainable digital transformation. During Cities Forum a full session focusing on the movement took place and four more declarations were signed on stage. With their signatures, the leaders agree to upscale existing digital solutions on a larger, European scale to turn more cities and communities into smart and sustainable places where people enjoy living and working. 

"This declaration is different because it can be implemented. We are actually ready to scale, on a common technical ground, on the terms of cities and communities." 

Martin Brynskov, Chair, Open & Agile Smart Cities (OASC) and Centre Leader at DITCOM, said and continued:

"From a local perspective I am also happy to see that so far four Danish municipalities have joined the movement. I hope to see many more joining in the near future from all over Europe."

During the Cities Forum in Porto, signatories and partners discussed concrete measures that should be implemented by 2025, which includes financial, technical and capacity building aspects. From the local perspective, two main focal points include ensuring the interoperability of digital platforms that are upscaled, and that EU Member States maintain the proposed level of funding and allocated budget for digital and innovation programmes, especially for the newly proposed Digital Europe Programme. 

Read a full press release on EUROCITIES' website and see how many have joined the movement so far here.