2. Full Proposal

Digital solutions for climate adaptation [FA] (DISCO)

A.1 Identification Call

Call 4C (FA)

A.1.1 Project title

Digital solutions for climate adaptation [FA]

A.1.2 Project acronym

DISCO

A.1.3 Lead Partner

Gemeente Zwolle

A.1.4 Start Date

01/06/2024

A.1.4 End Date

31/05/2028

A.1.4 Project duration

48 months

A.1.5. Priority

Priority 1. Robust and smart economies in the North Sea Region

A.1.6. Priority specific objective

1.1 Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

A.2 Summary A.2 Project Summary

North Sea region authorities urgently need to speed up climate change adaptation (CCA). But they are facing a set of complex challenges when it comes to deciding on and realising the needed adaptation measures. This is due to the combination of dealing with the complexity of data for decision making in CCA with the need to timely and justly involve connected target groups. Digital solutions (e.g. AR, VR, digital twin) have shown to be able to take extensive and varied data sets and turn them into trustworthy calculations and visuals, facilitating a shared image of possibilities otherwise difficult to imagine and achieve. They have proven to be a key enabler in the development of sustainable and climate adaptive cities and regions. But to implement such innovative solutions now and in the future, investments are needed and a good understanding and trust between the digital sector, CCA authorities and targeted stakeholders are essential. Therefore, in DISCO partners develop and implement the needed support for CCA authorities to raise the innovation capacities of organisations and citizens to employ digital solutions to accelerate CCA. In the project a three-step approach is taken to test how to raise innovative capacities to accelerate in CCA and how experiences can lead to a long-lasting impact. First, a method to identify specific needs of a CCA authority is developed.

Then, co-creation processes for CCA are started in different locations in the NS region. These lead to: a. increased capacity for innovation at stakeholders present at the pilot areas, b. plans to break down barriers for innovation in CCA organisations in the NS region. c. useful digital solutions for CCA that are fit to be replicated.

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In step three, the emphasis is on creating sustainability for developed solutions and replication to increase innovative capacities in organisations in the NS region.

B.1 Partners B.1.1 Project partners

1

Identity / Questions

Address

Budget

Gemeente Zwolle No Abrv.: Zwolle Name (EN): Municipality of Zwolle Lead Partner VAT number: NL001900248B01 Entitled for VAT recovery: Yes Type: Local public authority Legal status: Public State aid: Not State Aid Relevant Letter of intent: Self declaration:

Address: Postbus 10007, 8064ES Zwolle, Netherlands ( NUTS: NL211 ) Website: www.zwolle.nl

1.057.350 €

Department: Department of Economic and Spatial Development Dept. Address: Postbus 10007, 8064ES Zwolle, Netherlands ( NUTS: NL211 ) Contacts: Renate Postma

Which of the organisation’s thematic competences and experiences are relevant for the project? The city of Zwolle is situated in the deepest part of the IJssel-Vecht delta. We are very vulnerable to climate change. Climate adaptation is one of our four priority themes. At city scale Zwolle is responsible for urban planning and (ground)water management. To become a climate resilient delta, regional governments and other municipalities collaborate in the RIVUS network. Regional governments (province and water authority) and local governments, entrepreneurs, educational- and research institutes and citizens collaborate in the Climate Campus network. At the same time our Department for digitalisation is a frontrunner. Zwolle already has a Digital Twin and is lead partner in the network SMART Zwolle Alliance, also consisting of governments, entrepreneurs, educational and research institutes. We already have interesting pilots / projects at the interface of digitalisation, climate adaptation and citizen participation, e.g. Senshagen and Garden Battle (CATCH). What is the role (contribution and main activities) of your organisation in the project? Zwolle is lead partner and CCA authority. The pilot of Zwolle is about an EFI for joint design of climate adaptive liveable streets, using (applications for) our digital twin.

Work includes: Preparation - make an inventory of learning questions and requirements of both municipality, citizens, developers possible utilization of a digital solutions that meet our needs local and regional partners in our network to involve in de the pilot / dissemination phase good practises (national and international) Execution - co design climate adaptive liveable streets to test: the chosen application itself the innovative collaboration (co designing, collaboration of digital sector and climate adaptation sector) organizational aspects within the municipality that help or hinder (societal) innovation After the pilot we report the lessons learnt and recommendations and disseminate our finding in the different networks. In all steps we will work and develop together with the consortium partners. If applicable, describe the organisation’s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. Zwolle has been involved in several international projects, among which EU (e.g. Interreg NSR-CATCH and LIFE IP NASCCELERATE) and international collaboration with South Africa in the former LOGO South Program (capacity building) of Foreign Affairs / VNG-international.

What is the benefit of participating in the project for your organisation? Capacity building within our organization form both sides (closing the gap between digitalisation and climate adaptation), learning about the possibilities of using digital solutions in participation for climate adaptation, learning from transnational collaboration to move forward. 2

Universiteit Twente No Abrv.: UT

Address: Drienerlolaan 5, 7522NB Enschede, Netherlands ( NUTS: NL213 )

272.268 €

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Name (EN): University of Twente Project Partner VAT number: NL002946725B01 Entitled for VAT recovery: No Type: Higher education and research organisations Legal status: Public State aid: Not State Aid Relevant Letter of intent: Self declaration:

Website: https://www.utwente.nl/ Department: Section of Governance and Technology for Sustainability (CSTM) of the Department of Technology, Policy and Society Dept. Address: Hallenweg 17 (Ravelijn building no. 10), 7522NH Enschede, Netherlands ( NUTS: NL213 ) Contacts: Cesar Casiano Flores

Which of the organisation’s thematic competences and experiences are relevant for the project? The Section of Governance and Technology for Sustainability (CSTM) as part of the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social sciences (BMS) of the University of Twente specializes in the governance of climate adaptation with digital co-creation as one of the key research themes. CSTM has an extended portfolio of projects related to climate adaptation including the Horizon Europe project “Governance innovations for a transition to sustainable and equitable water use in Europe” and the Interreg North Sea project “Water sensitive Cities: the Answer To Challenges of extreme weather events”. CSTM staff has a very strong experience working with participatory and interdisciplinary research that involves the use of digital solutions to co-create solutions with governmental and non-governmental actors, other research centres, society and enterprises. What is the role (contribution and main activities) of your organisation in the project? Based on their expertise, UT staff will lead WP1 Prepare to dance: development of a strategic framework for raising innovative capacities for employing digital solutions in CCA. Here the UT team’s scientific, interdisciplinary and practical knowledge on the governance of climate adaptation and use of digital solutions for co-creation will play a key role.

In WP2 and WP3 UT staff will contribute with their expertise follow-up the process and provide their expertise to develop and scale-up lessons learned and developed outputs. Some of the specific tasks are the development of the serious game and training in key master programs in the Netherlands and Belgium. If applicable, describe the organisation’s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. The organisation has an extensive experience on co-funding projects. Just to mention some examples: Interreg Europe Floating Cultures in River Deltas (Delta lady): https://projects20142020.interregeurope.eu/deltalady/ Interreg North Sea Region Cluster for Cloud to Coast Climate Change Adaptation (C5a): https://northsearegion.eu/c5a/ Interreg North Sea Region Water sensitive Cities: the Answer To CHallenges of extreme weather events (Catch): https://northsearegion.eu/catch/ Interreg North-West Europe Enter2Transform Transformational Entrepreneurship Hubs for Recognized Refugee Re-starters: https://vb.nweurope.eu/projects/project-search/enter-to-transform-transformational-entrepreneurship-hubs-forrecognized-refugee-re-starters/ What is the benefit of participating in the project for your organisation? We will be able to conduct innovative governance research on the benefits and challenges of digital tools in climate adaptation at

different scales. Based on our research, we will allow to provide examples of first-hand cases to our students in our master program, and to publish academic articles that contribute to new knowledge on the topic. 3

AMACHAN No Abrv.: AM Name (EN): AMACHAN Project Partner VAT number: NL864928580B01 Entitled for VAT recovery: No Type: Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) Legal status: Private State aid: GBER Letter of intent:

Address: Walstraat 43E, 7511GG Enschede, Netherlands ( NUTS: NL213 ) Website: www.amachan.io

243.725 €

Contacts: Sergio Alvarado Vazquez

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Self declaration: Which of the organisation’s thematic competences and experiences are relevant for the project? As we are a digital solution that can be used to collect data from different stakeholders, AMACHAN can offer to create surveys and collect qualitative and quantitative data, with a focus on a spatial component. This means that it can collect spatial information and create thematic maps or cartography by any subject or field. This sounds like a very interesting and useful platform for various purposes and domains. What is the role (contribution and main activities) of your organisation in the project? Offering the use of the AMACHAN platform for participatory data collection, depending on which one of the partners require to use the platform for collecting data regarding CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPATATION. We also offer technical support for the surveys created and for when data collections requires to be conducted on site. AMACHAN will contribute to bridging the gap between ICT and CCA professionals by bringing in their experiences. If applicable, describe the organisation’s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects.

We have experience participating in projects related to participatory process and data collection in Germany and the Netherlands, in collaboration with universities and public institutions in the development of project proposals related to urban development, urban mobility, and green infrastructure. In other context outside the EU, we have collaborated in the development of a green open spaces evaluation with the local government of Mexico City. What is the benefit of participating in the project for your organisation? Get acquainted with different governmental institutions and universities in the North Sea Region, and to promote and show the added value of the use of digital technologies for participatory processes such as for climate change adaptation. 4

Oldenburgisch-Ostfriesischer Wasserverband No Abrv.: OOWV Name (EN): Waterboard of Oldenburg and East Frisia Project Partner VAT number: 23 632 0000310 Entitled for VAT recovery: Yes Type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider Legal status: Public State aid: Not State Aid Relevant Letter of intent: Self declaration:

Address: Georgstraße 4, 26919 Brake, Germany ( NUTS: DE94G ) Website: www.oowv.de

382.500 €

Contacts: Silke Mollenhauer

Which of the organisation’s thematic competences and experiences are relevant for the project? ​The OOWV is the largest water provider in Lower Saxony, supplying 1 Mio. people with water. Groundwater is the main source for drinking water in the OOWV provision area. Due to the changing requirements for sustainable water supply as a result of climate change, OOWV has been increasingly focusing on alternative water resources and adaptation to climate change in recent years. ​The OOWV can contribute valuable practical knowledge and ensure that the innovations of the project are put into practice. The OOWV provides the expertise on requirements from the water providers perspective, as well as the linkage to the water user’s needs, and the data on water management. The OOWV collects a wide range of data and has its own department for water management information. The digitization and digital processing and provision of data has been continuously optimized in recent years.​ What is the role (contribution and main activities) of your organisation in the project? Many small towns and municipalities in our region are lacking the ability and resources to use new digital solutions for their water management.

With our pilot we can show best practices that can be transferred overcome innovation barriers such as missing use cases or the lack of knowledge Together with the University of Oldenburg OOWV would like to investigate solutions for using rainwater retention basins as water reservoirs. In a first step, an EFI will be created that will design and implement a digital twin of a rainwater retention basin in Damme. The digital twin is to be used to simulate how intelligent, precipitation-dependent runoff control of the water level and rainwater utilization could be implemented. In the second step transfer of practices to other municipalities will take place. -- Signed by Ingeborg Schouten on 06/03/2024 10:34:05 -- 424316b670413830a72d5056d55286d0 -- Exported on 06/03/2024 10:34:06 / Page 4 of 34

OOWV will be the WP 3 leader. If applicable, describe the organisation’s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. The OOWV is experienced in participating and managing EU co-financed projects. In 2000-2007 it participated in the INTERREG B projects Water4all, Nolimp, Farmers for Nature and WaterCost. Further the OOWV war part of the INTERREG C Projects Hanse Passage and ENMaR. In 2007-2013 the INTERREG B projects Cradle to cradle Island, WaterCAP, WaterCap Taskforce and the INTERREG A project Denewa were implemented. In the last INTERREG programme the OOWV participated in the INTERREG B projects WaterCoG, TOPSOI, CATCH, FRAMES and NuReDrain. In the current programme the OOWV is partner in the Blue Transition project. Additionally, the OOWV is project partner in the HORIZON projects B-WaterSmart and DECISO, both dealing with alternative water resources. The main basis for the pilot project in Damme is the results of the LEADER project "SWaT - Intelligent Rainwater Storage". What is the benefit of participating in the project for your organisation? The international cooperation gives the OOWV the opportunity to exchange experiences in a field that is not yet used as it could be in many areas. Digital solutions still offer great untapped potential for use in public water supply.

The most important task of the OOWV is to secure water supply and disposal. As part of EU projects, there is an additional opportunity to test new technologies and processes and to learn together with the project partners. There are a large number of rainwater retention basins in the OOWV area. If the digital solutions tested in this project work well, there is great potential to use these technologies at other locations in the OOWV supply area.

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Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg No Abrv.: UOL Name (EN): Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg Project Partner VAT number: DE811184499 Entitled for VAT recovery: No Type: Higher education and research organisations Legal status: Public State aid: Not State Aid Relevant Letter of intent: Self declaration:

Address: Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany ( NUTS: DE943 ) Website: https://uol.de/

272.223 €

Department: Department of Computing Science Business Informatics (VLBA) Dept. Address: Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany ( NUTS: DE943 ) Contacts: Jan Stueven

Which of the organisation’s thematic competences and experiences are relevant for the project? ​UOL has been working on projects in the water sector for multiple years, especially in cooperation with the OOWV. ​It has experience in the fields of data science, simulation design, modelling, and sustainable water management. Furthermore, UOL serves as an experience hub for experienced and new researchers. ​In projects UOL often worked together with engineers and other researchers on tasks, which are not only software driven. It has experience in finding and measuring requirements from partners and incorporating them into newly developed software. What is the role (contribution and main activities) of your organisation in the project? In this project, the main task of UOL is the development of a digital twin of a rain water basin, in order to water surrounding places (like a sports field) controlled instead of in dependency on rain fall. It shall replicate the behaviour of the basin and in the end be able to control the behaviour. ​This task can be viewed as a pilot project. If it succeeds, the technology could be rolled out to municipalities and other stakeholders in the NSR for better control and usage of precipitation, supplementing an Ecosystem for Innovation. ​An important aspect of the pilot are safety and security measures.

A water basin shall never overflow, so the control mechanism must be fail-proof, to be trusted by local stakeholders. Information generated from the pilot will be publicly available to create learning opportunities from them.​ If applicable, describe the organisation’s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. -- Signed by Ingeborg Schouten on 06/03/2024 10:34:05 -- 424316b670413830a72d5056d55286d0 -- Exported on 06/03/2024 10:34:06 / Page 5 of 34

UOL has experience in projects co-financed by the EU as well as other international projects. For example, it is working in the field of LiHyp, an Interreg programme aiming at enhancing the cooperation in the hydrogenenergy sector of the North Sea region. It also has the EU-funded project AI@Smile, which aims at improving mental health among teenagers of the EU. Furthermore, UOL is working with international partners from the EAC (East African Region) in a project called dSkills@EA, in which partners from African Universitities are supported in enhancing digital skills right in the region. What is the benefit of participating in the project for your organisation? UOL has a strong sector in the field of (business)informatics. Implementing projects which require the development of software is a big domain, therefore projects are very diverse: Ranging over AI, Data Science, Modelling and Simulating. The DISCO pilot is combining the knowledge of multiple of those fields, especially Data Science, Modelling and Simulating. Creating a digital model which replicates the behaviour of a physical model is no trivial task, that’s why the opportunity to explore this use case is so important for UOL. Developing the prototype would come with a lot of knowledge generation, e.g.

to which degree can a digital twin even be built or how would a control mechanism be implemented to ensure safety security measures? A last important aspect for UOL is the advancement of digitalization in NS regions through sustainable water management. To do so, UOL needs to develop pilot projects in which the practicality of such digitalization methods has to be investigated. 6

Jade Hochschule Wilhelmshaven/Oldenburg/Elsfleth No Abrv.: Jade HS Name (EN): Jade University of Applied Sciences Project Partner VAT number: DE 265902596 Entitled for VAT recovery: No Type: Higher education and research organisations Legal status: Public State aid: Not State Aid Relevant Letter of intent: Self declaration:

Address: Friedrich-Paffrath-Straße 101, 26389 Willemshaven, Germany ( NUTS: DE945 ) Website: https://www.jade-hs.de/

705.025 €

Department: Research and Transfer / Dep. Of Technology and Health Dept. Address: Ofener Strasse 16/19, 26121 Oldenburg, Germany ( NUTS: DE943 ) Contacts: Mike Boege

Which of the organisation’s thematic competences and experiences are relevant for the project? Experiences from former Interreg Vb projects such as FRAMES and CATCH, focusing on climate change adaptation, management of extreme events and multi-layer safety, including a pilot on emergency management in the Wesermarsch region, resulting in deficiencies in current evacuation management. One of the main research is the field Digital construction and information technology The research focus is on research projects in the areas of Building Information Modeling, construction, optical 3D measurement technology, geodesy, geoinformatics, databases and modeling and communication of spatio-temporal information. The project “Sustainable Building Technologies – Community of Practise is to be mentioned. This project will combine level top knowledge in central fields of future research and development activities including digitalization. What is the role (contribution and main activities) of your organisation in the project? The role of Jade Hochschule in DISCO primarily involves providing technical assistance and requirements engineering support to the partners' pilot projects. This implies providing input in WP 1 in the development of the assessment framework and providing guidance to partners to improve their capacities to detect requirements for certain challenges and offered solutions.

Above this for WP 2 Jade Hochschule can provide manufacturer-neutral assistance in selecting solutions for the project partners' pilots in both hardware and software domains Additionally, the university will offer technical equipment such as the stereoscopic multiuser CAVE, AR glasses, and VR glasses for experimental purposes in WP 2 and WP 3. This comprehensive support aims to facilitate the effective development and implementation of digital solutions tailored to climate change adaptation needs. Jade will take ownership of the developed solutions in DISCO to maintain after project lifetime. -- Signed by Ingeborg Schouten on 06/03/2024 10:34:05 -- 424316b670413830a72d5056d55286d0 -- Exported on 06/03/2024 10:34:06 / Page 6 of 34

If applicable, describe the organisation’s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. Interreg Vb: FRAMES (2016-2020; partner; WP lead); CATCH (2017-2022; partner; WP lead); InduZero (2018-2022; partner) Interreg IVb: NSSEP (2014-2015); ECLIC (2008-2011) Interreg A: Vital regions (2017-2021), Bioökonomie im Non-Food-Sektor (2015-2019) Co-operation framework amongst universities, companies & experts from three partnering universities: SBTCP (2021 – 2025) What is the benefit of participating in the project for your organisation? Increased Innovative Capacity: Jade-HS can learn about and adopt cutting-edge digital tools such as AR, VR, and digital twins to address CCA challenges. Reduced Barriers for Innovation: Jade-HS can benefit from insights into the necessary steps and resources required to effectively implement these solutions. Organizational Changes: The project can lead to more efficient collaboration and integration of digital solutions for CCA. Ecosystem for Innovation: Jade-HS can access resources, knowledge, and support networks to navigate the complexities of digital innovation in the context of climate adaptation. Successful Implementation of Digital Solutions: Jade-Hs ensures that the selected solutions are sustainable and effectively accelerate CCA efforts. Finally.

Jade-HS will have access to inspiring examples and best practices that can help starters and more advanced NS authorities become more innovative in utilizing digital solutions for CCA.

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VIA University College No Abrv.: VIA UC Name (EN): VIA University College Project Partner VAT number: 30773047 Entitled for VAT recovery: No Type: Higher education and research organisations Legal status: Public State aid: Not State Aid Relevant Letter of intent: Self declaration:

Address: Hedeager 2, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark ( NUTS: DK042 ) Website: www.via.dk

560.760 €

Department: R&D Center for Built Environment, Energy, Water Technology & Digitalization Dept. Address: Banegaardsgade 2, 8700 Horsens, Denmark ( NUTS: DK042 ) Contacts: Thomas Bøgevald Bjørnsten

Which of the organisation’s thematic competences and experiences are relevant for the project? VIA University College is Denmark’s second largest university of applied science. In VIA, the Research Centre Built environment, energy, water technology and digitalization conducts applied research in close collaboration with private and public partners, as well as with VIA's other research units. The Centre disseminates, develops, and produces new knowledge that contributes to new technological solutions in the areas of built environment and the future of construction, sustainable consumption of resources within clean drinking water, climate adaptation solutions and ‘green’ energy, as well as digital enterprise systems. The R&D Centre for Built Environment, Energy, Water Technology, and Digitalization works in the areas of AR/VR, as well as climate resilience and climate adaptation solutions. We collaborate closely with VIA Animation Workshop. This workshop is recognized as the fourth leading animation school on a global scale. What is the role (contribution and main activities) of your organisation in the project? Via will be coordinating lead partner for WP 2 concerning co-creation of local EFIs for CCA through the utilization of innovative digital tools while addressing the barriers and developing supportive methods for EFI creation.

VIA will draw on insights and experiences from previous projects involving the use of relevant digital visualization and related XR (Extended Reality)-technologies, which will be further developed and implemented in close collaboration with Vejle Municipality through the CCA-related projects "Ny Rosborg" and "Membranen". VIA's involvement in WP2 and other targeted aspects of WP1 and WP3 will emphasize the importance of establishing EFIs using accessible and technological tools that create actual impact. If applicable, describe the organisation’s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. VIA has extensive experience in participating in EU-projects. We are currently participating in 20+ EU funded projects, coordinating roughly half of these. In addition, VIA has a long tradition of participating in international research and development projects – both as the leading institution and as a partner. VIA provides high-quality, experienced staff at postgraduate level and doctoral level as well as efficient management and support. To support our educational departments and R&D Centres VIA has nine crosscutting units. These units cover a -- Signed by Ingeborg Schouten on 06/03/2024 10:34:05 -- 424316b670413830a72d5056d55286d0 -- Exported on 06/03/2024 10:34:06 / Page 7 of 34

variety of functions and tasks e.g. project support and development, political and educational analysis, digitalization, internationalization, communication, economy, student life. VIA has an extensive quality assurance program that includes both quantitative and qualitative measures and clear procedures of documentation. What is the benefit of participating in the project for your organisation? With respect to the various WPs and WP2 in particular VIA will strengthen its knowledge in creating XR (Extended Reality) and related technological solutions within the field of CCA as well as establishing the foundation and models for sustainable ecosystems for innovation. This includes the development of adequate visualization formats, more efficient exploitation of immersive technologies for enhancing knowledge about CCA, and clearer identification of technological barriers as well as strategies for overcoming these through new EFIs and direct CCA stakeholder involvement. VIA is currently in the process of capacity building within the digital and XR-domain with a strong focus on climate change adaptation and climate resilience strategies, which makes participation in this project highly relevant.

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Vejle Kommune No Abrv.: Vejle Name (EN): Vejle Municipality Project Partner VAT number: DK-30023684 Entitled for VAT recovery: No Type: Local public authority Legal status: Public State aid: Not State Aid Relevant Letter of intent: Self declaration:

Address: Kirketorvet 22, 7100 Vejle, Denmark ( NUTS: DK032 ) Website: www.vejle.dk

214.450 €

Department: Technology & Environment Dept. Address: Kirketorvet 22, 7100 Vejle, Denmark ( NUTS: DK032 ) Contacts: Poul-Henrik Oxlund Skrae

Which of the organisation’s thematic competences and experiences are relevant for the project? ​Vejle is one of the 10 most vulnerable areas in Denmark at risk from flooding. Though water is a well maintained and monitored asset of Vejle, the city continuously needs to address the serious threats of climate change. ​Vejle is a front runner in Europe on climate adaptation and very experienced in the field of urban water management. They are a member of the prestigious international 100 Resilient Cities network and Climate KIC. In Vejle special attention is given to community involvement. ​With a high focus on using our digital twin of the city, this project adds an even higher and relevant focus on the social innovation aspect as well as digital communication and solutions for climate projects.​ What is the role (contribution and main activities) of your organisation in the project? Vejle is participating in all the WPs of the DISCO project. With all our knowledge from previous climate adaptation projects and the current state of issues with water problems in the city, we will bring local climate pilots that are relevant and current to the project to develop an ecosystem for innovation to improve and accelerate climate adaptation.

​In collaboration with the research institutes, we will focus on delivering digital solution for social innovation as well as inspire other cities of similar size as well as getting inspired by other project partners in the DISCO project ourselves. If applicable, describe the organisation’s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. Vejle is experienced in participating in EU co-financed projects. They participated in the North SEA programme with the projects Sustainable Energy Planning, NSSEP-PLUS and HyTrE as well as the previous CATCH project. They also participated in projects like Smart Mature Resilience (Horizon 2020), Future Sewage (Regionalfond Denmark), Building and Construction Waste (Regionalfond Denmark), SMART Natura (LIFE-programme) and DRAGONLIFE (LIFE-programme). What is the benefit of participating in the project for your organisation? With recurrent issues with raising water levels within the city and the need for measures for climate adaptation we will benefit from the project in multiple ways.

One of the main benefits is a way of trying out new ways of civic engagement using new digital solutions for communication of complex projects in a way that are easier to understand for everybody, the “Show Don’t Tell” approach could be a huge advantage in communication strategies with both politicians and citizen as well, for complex climate projects and hopefully we would benefit in the long term when developing new ways of using digital solutions. -- Signed by Ingeborg Schouten on 06/03/2024 10:34:05 -- 424316b670413830a72d5056d55286d0 -- Exported on 06/03/2024 10:34:06 / Page 8 of 34

Another benefit is the transnational connection with other partners with similar problems and the knowledge gathered during the project – on the social and the technical innovation side, and how we can improve the solutions even further both during the project as well as afterwards. 9

Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij No Abrv.: VMM Name (EN): Flanders Environment Agency Project Partner VAT number: BE 0887.290.276 Entitled for VAT recovery: No Type: Regional public authority Legal status: Public State aid: Not State Aid Relevant Letter of intent: Self declaration:

Address: Dokter De Moorstraat 24-26, 9300 Aalst, Belgium ( NUTS: BE231 ) Website: https://en.vmm.be/

592.000 €

Department: International Cooperation Dept. Address: Dokter De Moorstraat 24-26, 9300 Aalst, Belgium ( NUTS: BE231 ) Contacts: Stevie Swenne

Which of the organisation’s thematic competences and experiences are relevant for the project? Flanders Environment Agency (VMM) is an internally independent government agency with powers of jurisdiction under supervision of the Flemish Minister of Justice and Enforcement, Environment, Energy and Tourism. The mission of VMM is to be a solution-oriented partner for a climate-resilient environment in Flanders. We play a part in the various stages of the policy-making process (measuring, planning, taking action, evaluating). This represents an added value that allows us to retain an overview and make connections. VMM has knowledge and experience in water management, monitoring and modelling, communication strategies, project leadership, stakeholder involvement, governance, climate adaptation, circular water and drought management. What is the role (contribution and main activities) of your organisation in the project? ​VMM contributes to DISCO by supporting the development of EFIs for accelerating the delivery of climate change solutions in the NS region. The DISCO EFI will be used to foster new connections with innovation stakeholders in Flanders leading to the establishment of an improved digital hub for environmental and climate data.

This will help decision makers in Flanders to take better informed decisions based upon a decent assessment on the related impacts and associated costs. ​VMM and DISCO project partners will jointly develop activities to: (1) better understand the need for information of decision makers with limited capacities, (2) develop a free service based upon state-of the art environmental & climate data and (3) develop trainings to turn data into actions. ​Because of the transnational cooperation, the threshold will be lowered to explore and test the potential for the replication of the Flemish data sets (digital solution) in different locations in the NS region. If applicable, describe the organisation’s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. For over 10 years, Flanders Environment Agency (VMM) has a dedicated team facilitating the setup and management of international cooperation initiatives, with or without funding. The team is embedded in the organization’s Service Development Centre and has established an extensive network with international and Flemish stakeholders incl. cities, NGO’s and high-level policy makers. VMM participates in the activities of the European CIS for the WFD and is one of the driving forces of the International Scheldt Commission.

VMM was (and is) the lead partner of various Interreg -and LIFE- projects focusing on water management, flooding, water quality, climate adaptation and/or air quality. VMM was also a project partner in the Interreg NSR projects BuildingWithNature, Camino, CATCH, C5a, SulliedSediments and TOPSOIL and is currently (lead) partner of Interreg NSR projects Biodiverse Cities, Blue Transition, Clancy, Connected River.and STORM_SAFE. What is the benefit of participating in the project for your organisation? VMM will benefit from the experiences from project partners that have different backgrounds, but work along the same objectives. By focusing on the innovation and digitalisation processes, potential impacts of rather specific local barriers can be minimized and a much bigger exchange of expertise is made possible. Because of the transnational learning programme it will be easier for VMM to better understand the needs and expectations in general. A better understanding of information needs from local authorities in the entire North Sea region area, may stimulate the development of comparable open data services.

The developed data-driven service, as well as the related training exercises can be tested throughout the lifetime of the project on a much -- Signed by Ingeborg Schouten on 06/03/2024 10:34:05 -- 424316b670413830a72d5056d55286d0 -- Exported on 06/03/2024 10:34:06 / Page 9 of 34

bigger scale, allowing an assessment of the potential to integrate datasets from other North Sea region partners. 10

Sweden Water Research AB No Abrv.: SWR Name (EN): Sweden Water Research Project Partner VAT number: SE556945894501 Entitled for VAT recovery: No Type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider Legal status: Public State aid: Not State Aid Relevant Letter of intent: Self declaration:

Address: Ideon Science Park, Scheelevägen 15, 22370 Lund, Sweden ( NUTS: SE224 ) Website: https://www.swedenwaterresearch.se

271.925 €

Contacts: Carina Svensson

Which of the organisation’s thematic competences and experiences are relevant for the project? Sweden Water Research is actively working with digital solutions for CCA and lessons learned can be shared with project partners. It’s close linkages with the city of Malmö, water utilities and relevant research institutions makes Sweden Water Research an important partner to further develop realistic digital solutions for visualisation of data and technical solutions for greater impact on CCA. Sweden Water Research has been working for several years in the pilot area Sege Park in Malmö implementing new technology and solutions for rainwater harvesting and stormwater, related to Climate Change Adaptation. Sege Park is a pioneering area for sustainability where the aim is to give residents the opportunity to live in a climate-smart and affordable way. What is the role (contribution and main activities) of your organisation in the project? ​SWR will implement a new digital tool to measure the usage of drinking water in apartments households which is needed to better adapt to climate adaptation and promote circularity. The aim is to understand how much water is used for different use functions. The innovative technique that we want to demonstrate is a digital on-site product that uses machine learning to monitor the water consumed.

The data generated will be visualised for stakeholders and relevant target groups and accumulated in the project by SWR. This technique will be installed in apartments in Sege Park to evaluate both the percentage of usage in the households but also to evaluate how the real time visualising of water uses increases awareness and affect consumption patterns. ​The pilot will benefit the upscaling of digital tools, the resident themselves, but also be a key part in scaling up a sustainable circular water economy and CCA. Knowledge will be shared among the partners and many external stakeholders. If applicable, describe the organisation’s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. Project coordinator: FanpLESStic-Sea. Interreg BSR (2019-2021) Project partner Less is More. Interreg South Baltic (2018-2021) Cleanwater. BONUS (2017-2020) REWAISE. Horizon 2020 (2020-2025) Aquacosm Plus: Horizon 2020 (2020-2024) What is the benefit of participating in the project for your organisation? Sweden Water Research is aiming to learn from project partners in DISCO and to share lessons learned in contributing to greater regional impact on CCA. Increase our knowledge on different AI technologies and digital solutions available for capturing data and transformation of data into visible knowledge and patterns to be shared to stakeholders.

11

Malmö stad No Abrv.: CoM Name (EN): City of Malmö Project Partner VAT number: SE2120001124 Entitled for VAT recovery: Yes Type: Local public authority

Address: August Palms plats 1, 20580 Malmö, Sweden ( NUTS: SE224 ) Website: www.malmo.se

516.000 €

Department: Environment Department Dept. Address: Bergsgatan 17, 20580 Malmö, Sweden ( NUTS: SE224 ) -- Signed by Ingeborg Schouten on 06/03/2024 10:34:05 -- 424316b670413830a72d5056d55286d0 -- Exported on 06/03/2024 10:34:06 / Page 10 of 34

Legal status: Public State aid: Not State Aid Relevant Letter of intent: Self declaration:

Contacts: Linnea Lundstedt Uppsäll

Which of the organisation’s thematic competences and experiences are relevant for the project? ​The City of Malmö (CoM) has a long experience working with Climate Change Adaptation (CCA), having carried out several projects to adapt the city to more frequent and intense weather events. CoM has adopted a cloudburst-plan and a strategy to adapt to sea level rise and storms. With the Copenhagen, CoM has signed the EU charter for The Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change. Since 2022 CoM is also a Resilience Hub within the UN initiative Making Cities Resilient 2030. ​CoM has been working for several years with the pilot area Sege Park, setting high sustainability goals and implementing solutions together with relevant stakeholders to achieve them. Sege Park is a pioneering area for sustainability, where the aim is to give residents the opportunity to live in a climate-smart and affordable way. In Sege Park new solutions related to CCA have been implemented, for example rainwater is being harvested and used for toilet flushing and clothes washing. What is the role (contribution and main activities) of your organisation in the project? CoM will be active in all three of the project’s WPs.

It’s important to the CoM to harvest learnings from innovations implemented in Malmö as well as from other DISCO partner organisations, and to find methods to implement the best ones in other areas of the city. CoM is aiming to design and test two digital tools in the Sege Park area in DISCO. The first one is aimed at gathering and sharing information on the CCA solutions in Sege Park, adapted to relevant stakeholder groups. This could for example be an AR or audio walk for visitors using cell phones and/or a digital visual catalogue of implemented CCA solutions for professionals. The second one is to use AI technology to measure water consumption on household level and use the data to influence consumer patterns. If applicable, describe the organisation’s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. CoM and its Environment Department has significant experience with working in and leading numerous EU and nationally funded projects with international cooperation. Currently the Environment Department is involved in projects funded by for example Horizon 2020, Interreg NSR / ÖKS / Europe, Formas, Vinnova and Swedish Energy Agency. The CoM has staff and organisational capacity for managing and administrating EU and international projects, which it will employ in the DISCO project.

What is the benefit of participating in the project for your organisation? CoM is aiming to strengthen organisational learning and upscale innovative methods by participating in DISCO. It’s also important to spread learnings to other relevant stakeholders, and to include relevant stakeholders in the development and testing of digital solutions within DISCO, in order to maximize the learnings and impact.

Total budget

5.088.226 €

C.1 Objective C.1.1 Project overall objective

Increase the innovative capacities of cities and regions to enable the employment of innovative digital solutions in order to accelerate Climate Change Adaptation (CCA).

C.2 Spotlight themes C.2.1 Does your project contribute to the Digitalisation spotlight theme?

Yes

C.2.1 Contribution to spotlight theme: Digitalization

Better utilisation of digitalisation is the core of the project. A focal point in the digital transition for the EU is that all people need to benefit from digitalisation. DISCO will serve this in three ways. Using digital solutions, partners support better decision making and selection of adaptation measures to better protect all citizens from the impacts of climate change, -- Signed by Ingeborg Schouten on 06/03/2024 10:34:05 -- 424316b670413830a72d5056d55286d0 -- Exported on 06/03/2024 10:34:06 / Page 11 of 34

also citizens that are in climate vulnerable housing situations or citizens that are not connected to digital solutions. By using digital solutions, target groups can be reached in new ways, creating support and the potential to reach out and involve target groups that are not easily reached in regular participation processes. Digital solutions for CCA can also be used by citizens themselves. This way they can be activated to start own actions. C.2.2 Does your project contribute to the Ruralurban linkages spotlight theme?

Yes

C.2.2 Contribution to spotlight theme: Ruralurban linkages

Front-runners in the application of digital solutions are mainly larger cities. These cities have the capacities in knowledge, time and budget to follow and create involvement in new innovative processes, while this lack is in small cities and more rural municipalities, where digital literacy is a key challenge. The CATCH project has proven that situations in small cities and rural locations can be just as challenging. In DISCO, partners are cities and regions covering rural areas, with different experiences in digitalisation. The lessons learned, translated into concrete plans and digital solutions, will provide great direct help for small municipalities and rural areas, as they don’t need to ‘invent the wheel’. To support starters in advancing their digital transition, events and specific replication workshops will be performed. Rural authorities will be stimulated to join in. Moreover, VMM and OOWV have the responsibility to upscale outputs in the wider (rural) region.

C.2.3 Does your project contribute to the spotlight theme: Strengths and challenges in the North Sea basin

No

C.2.3 Contribution to spotlight theme: Strengths and challenges in the North Sea basin

C.3 Relevance and context C.3.1 What are the common territorial challenge(s) that will be tackled by the project?

NS region authorities need to speed up in climate change adaptation (CCA). But they are facing complex challenges when it comes to deciding on and realising the needed measures. The need for very specific data input, combined with the complexity of climate data, make it hard to near-impossible for most decision-makers and stakeholders to decide on options. And stakeholders incl. citizens expect and need to be involved in the process of decision making and execution of measures. In the EU strategy for climate adaptation, digitalisation is considered crucial for successful CCA. Digital solutions (e.g. AR, VR, digital twin) can take extensive and varied data sets and turn them into trustworthy calculations and visuals, facilitating a shared image of possibilities otherwise difficult to imagine and achieve. They facilitate stakeholder interaction and enable a situation where stakeholders can provide new insights and create new solutions for CCA. To be able to implement innovative digital solutions, investments need to be taken and a good understanding and trust between CCA authorities, the private digital sector and connected stakeholders are essential to create an innovative ecosystem. It is proven that this takes place most successfully when authorities play a facilitating role (Movisie 2017).

Therefore, DISCO develops and implements the needed support for CCA authorities to raise the innovation capacities of organisations and citizens to accelerate CCA.

C.3.2 How does the project tackle identified common challenges and/or

DISCO raises the innovative capacities of organisations and citizens to deal with CCA by targeting CCA authorities to stimulate and facilitate this process. Partners focus on breaking down the main barriers for innovation by: -- Signed by Ingeborg Schouten on 06/03/2024 10:34:05 -- 424316b670413830a72d5056d55286d0 -- Exported on 06/03/2024 10:34:06 / Page 12 of 34

opportunities and what is new about the approach the project takes?

Developing processes that enable CCA organisations to support deployment of innovative solutions Creating better understanding between CCA and ICT professionals that is needed to develop and implement useful digital solutions Build trust and raise the knowledge on CCA and digitalisation for target groups such as citizens. As CCA authorities differ in their needs and ambitions for CCA and in the level in which barriers to facilitate innovation are present, a method to identify the specific needs of a CCA authority to raise the innovative capacities needs to be developed. Then, based on their specific needs, 5 CCA authorities will start co-creation processes for CCA in their regions. To support these processes, innovative digital solutions will be selected and implemented. This leads to necessary joint experiences to break down the identified barriers and develop solutions to create an innovative ecosystem. Moreover, this leads to implemented digital solutions that support innovations and that are fit to be replicated for CCA. To accelerate impact in the region, in WP 3 target groups will be actively involved from the start to provide input for development and to use developed solutions and training materials for replication.

C.3.3 Why is transnational cooperation needed to achieve project objectives and results?

Transnational development provides the options to increase innovative capacities in areas in the best way possible, as: Partners experience is currently restricted to their national settings. They are pushed to use easily available digital solutions and stay within the current boundaries. Hence, choices are made based on availability and not tailored to their needs. Transnational cooperation adds to the exploration and development of more options. The extent to which the identified barriers are experienced between the partners in the different countries differ. Frontrunners Malmo and Vejle focus more on interaction with the external environment, while starters OOWV and VMM are more internally oriented. The difference in focus and experience provides the best opportunities to transnationally learn and improve practices for all identified barriers. Furthermore, partners can create impact by working transnationally. In the pilots to develop the necessary support to raise innovative capacities, digital solutions for climate change will be developed in open-source format to facilitate its replicability and use in other regions and organisations. The action plans for raising innovative capacities, can be used in the whole NS region.

Partners will utilise their diverse networks in the whole NSR to improve the action plans, but also to facilitate replications already during project lifetime. Jointly, a contribution can be made to the EU policy for the digital transition.

C.3.4 Who will benefit from your project outputs? Target group / Specification 1

Local public authority Local CCA authorities can use the WP 1 assessment framework, the WP 3 catalogue for raising capacities but also the WP 2 digital tools that support capacity raising. In WP 3 they are actively approached. Performed pilots will be used as direct sources of inspiration. OWWV will reach out to local authorities to replicate experience considering water basin management. VMM ensures that improved data availability service benefits local governments. SWR will upscale experiences in Sweden.

2 Regional public authority

Authorities like Flemish provinces and Dutch water authorities have responsibilities in CCA and can use the catalogue that will be developed in WP3 for their own needs. They can benefit from developed digital tool that can be replicated. Regional authorities are also targeted, as they can play a facilitating role towards local authorities to raise innovative capacities, e.g. the Swedish County Administrative Boards. In WP 3 actions are performed to reach out to this target group. 3 Education/training centre and school

Education and training centres will be targeted first as a means to reach out to citizens to raise innovative capacities for CCA in WP2. Examples for this are the Økolariet in Vejle and the Dome in Malmo. Furthermore, in WP 3 partners will reach out to e.g. gymnasia by OOWV to adopt developed outputs for further use in courses and training purposes. -- Signed by Ingeborg Schouten on 06/03/2024 10:34:05 -- 424316b670413830a72d5056d55286d0 -- Exported on 06/03/2024 10:34:06 / Page 13 of 34

4 Higher education and research organisations

In all WPs these will be invited to critically reflect on findings and collect experiences for own use. By the academic partners a variety of institutions will be reached out to (see support partners). CCA partners also reach out to research organisations to share experiences. E.g. to Hogeschool Windesheim (NL) and Vlaio and Vito in Flanders. These are targeted for creating a better understanding in and improvement of the options for replication of solutions in different organisations and areas. 5 Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)

Many ICT developers are SMEs. AMACHAN as a partner will directly benefit from the project. But in WP 2, CCA authorities will connect to SMEs by procurement to develop appropriate digital solutions. In WP 3 also SMEs will be approached to benefit from the raised innovative capacities for CCA at authorities but also to learn how to improve business opportunities by better connecting to the needs of CCA authorities. 6 Other

Of major importance in DISCO is to connect to citizens in order to inform them better on CCA, to create support, activate action and come to better solutions. Citizens will be involved highly in WP2 in the co-creation processes for CCA to work on CCA by application of digital solutions. In Zwolle, Vejle and Malmo, where a focus is placed in connecting to citizens, also in WP 3 citizens will be targeted to ensure replication of practices.

C.3.5 How does the project contribute to wider strategies and policies? Strategy / Contribution 1

Shaping Europe's Digital Future DISCO contributes to the objectives of the EU strategy to shape the digital future. Partners work to develop and take up solutions that work for the CCA authorities. To realise this, effort will be taken to reach out to citizens and other stakeholders to build trust for supportive digital technologies so that CCA solutions can be developed that truly improve living environments.

2 European Green Deal

DISCO contributes to the European Green Deal and its EU strategy on adaptation to climate change especially through the objectives for smarter adaptation, where digital transformation is mentioned to be critical to achieving the Green Deal adaptation objectives. DISCO makes a next step in utilising digital solutions as means to reach climate adaptation. By developing necessary tools for local CCA authorities, DISCO also contributes to the need for a systemic approach. 3 Territorial Agenda 2030 - A Future for all Places

A Future for all Places promotes an inclusive and sustainable future. This is done by addressing the need to respond to pressures such as climate change and the needs to act, as people suffer from inequities though e.g. digitalisation. DISCO contributes to the agenda by actively engaging with local communities in pilots to address climate change and jointly work on solutions, thereby leveraging digital solutions for all people.

C.3.6 Synergies Title / Description 1

Interreg NSR CATCH The CATCH project (2017-2022) aimed to demonstrate and accelerate the redesign of urban water management of midsize cities in the North Sea Region in order to become climate resilient cities. In the project, partners did experience that the complexity of CCA in combination with stakeholder interaction urges for a more innovative approach where digitalisation could be helpful. First inspiration was gained with the digital twin in Vejle. The DISCO partnership consists partly of former CATCH partners. DISCO will build upon the project in addressing the need to create a thorough view of the starting position, needs and ambitions, before going into solutions. Furthermore, good practices with the learning networks in CATCH will be used in DISCO.

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2 Interreg NS Data for All

Partners Vejle and the University of Oldenburg are partners in the Data for All project that started in 2023. In the project, partners collaborate to design public services by making use of available data. DISCO can make use of this project, as it addresses aspects as legal and technical challenges that also form barriers in DISCO. Knowledge can be used for solving organisational barriers and the possible choices of digital solutions. 3 Interreg NS Speak UP

Speak Up (2024-2027) aims to develop better ways of working between citizens and governments to successfully tackle great challenges such as the green transition, and to provide an effective voice to citizens and communities. The project will reconnect citizens and governments by developing better ways to engage and to participate. The City of Malmo is engaged in this project and can actively share experiences and learning from the project to DISCO for the development of WP 1 and WP 2. 4 LIFE IP NASCELLARATE (Klimaatadaptatie)

Zwolle is involved in this LIFE project coordinated by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Watermanagement and the RIVM. Aim is to accelerate climate change adaptation. The project runs from 2021 to 2027. In the project, Zwolle works on the development of an innovative ecosystem of organisations that are now members of the Climate Campus in and around Zwolle. Zwolle can bring in own experiences directly to the partnership. The period 2025-2027 is a dissemination period for this project, that also provides opportunities for learning and exchange of experience. 5 HORIZON EUROPE GOVAQUA

The University of Twente is participating in the GOVAQUA project (2023-2027). GOVAQUA takes a close look at the most innovative water governance solutions to find out how they could help Europe to meet its water challenges. The project identifies the good practices related to legislation and regulation, multi-stakeholder participation, digital solutions for information sharing. UT will take experiences to DISCO especially in the development of the WPs 1 and 2. 6 HORIZON EUROPE Regions 4 Climate

Regions4Climate (2023-2027) is a project to advance European transitions to climate resilience. The project will provide a suite of user-centred tools and frameworks to support socially-just regional climate resilience transitions, while linking new knowledge and detailed understanding of regional ecosystems with innovative technologies and processes. In the project DISCO, partner VIA develops digital XR solutions to engage civic actors/citizens in climate change adaptation projects to support decision making. Good practices in this project can serve as an inspiration for DISCO pilots in WP 2. 7 Horizon 2020 REWAISE