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The University of Namur is joining forces with the City of Namur and the Province's Economic Office (BEP) to create, along with other partners, the "Namur Innovative City Lab". This portfolio of 11 projects grouped into 3 themes aims to position the Walloon Capital as a "smart city".
Smart city
A city that is part of a collective dynamic - thanks to cross-disciplinary projects - and collaborative - that brings together public, private and citizen players - to bring about the emergence of new activities that generate innovation, value and jobs; new services in response to needs expressed by citizens; new forms of cooperation. The Intelligent City uses digital technologies to develop its predictive capacity and rapid response capability.
Developing a dynamic of intelligent urban innovation
To become a "Smart City", Namur wants to develop an ecosystem of urban innovations promoting the emergence of new urban products and services that meet the needs and uses expressed by citizens. This ecosystem is the "Namur Innovative City Lab", a portfolio of 11 projects grouped into three themes:
The TRAK[K]: the voice of urban needs and uses for the creation of innovative products and services
The TRAK[K] is a creative hub, in which UNamur participates intensively. Ideally located in the heart of the city, this multidisciplinary space aims to foster the emergence of a creative and participative community, involving local players. Within the TRAK[K], UNamur participates in a collaborative innovation dynamic between economic players and researchers, who make their scientific expertise available to companies. For the University, the TRAK[K] is also a driving force for the development of knowledge in the way players interact and collaborate in the fields of responsible innovation and innovative management.
More information on the TRAK[K] website.
The NID: a laboratory for urban innovation
The NID, an acronym for "Namur Intelligente et Durable", is a space that puts citizens at the heart of the debate around the future of Namur and questions the role of cities in the face of current and future challenges. The projects developed at TRAK[K] are put to the test at the Confluence space (at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers), equipped with a demonstration area and refurbished to become a real Living Lab. The objectives of this space are to demonstrate Namur's desire to position itself as a Smart City, but also to create a point of attraction and a meeting space between institutions, visitors and citizens.
More information on the NID website.
SmartCity: fostering social cohesion
Namur also wants to equip itself with new urban facilities and services with a view to promoting: mobility, the environment, public spaces and social action.
