As cities across the Mediterranean region face growing challenges related to sustainability, urbanization and digital governance, the need for innovative and citizen-centered solutions has never been greater. The SMARTMED project brings together universities, innovation hubs, municipalities and organizations from Greece, Jordan and Tunisia to accelerate the adoption of smart city technologies, strengthen local capacities and support the digital transformation of Mediterranean cities.
At the heart of this initiative is Nikos Ploskas, Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the University of Western Macedonia and Coordinator of the SMARTMED project.
The vision behind SMARTMED
Reflecting on the project’s mission and expected impact, Nikos Ploskas explains:
“SMARTMED is an ambitious initiative aiming to support the transition of Mediterranean cities towards smarter, more sustainable and human-centered urban environments. Through the collaboration of universities, innovation hubs, municipalities and organizations from Greece, Jordan and Tunisia, we seek to transfer knowledge, develop innovative digital services and strengthen the capacity of local authorities to implement effective digital transformation strategies.
The University of Western Macedonia has extensive experience in the design and implementation of European-funded projects, having participated in and coordinated more than 150 Horizon, Erasmus+, and INTERREG projects. In addition, through SYNERGiNN EDIH, the European Digital Innovation Hub coordinated by our university, we have developed strong expertise in smart city technologies, digital innovation, artificial intelligence and sustainable urban development.
Within SMARTMED, UOWM leads the development of smart waste management solutions, establishes smart city testbeds in Kozani and actively contributes to the transfer of know-how and innovative technologies to pilot cities across the Mediterranean region. Our goal is to create a scalable and transferable smart city model that addresses regional challenges while improving citizens’ quality of life through digital innovation and cross-border cooperation.”
Building sustainable and human-centered cities
SMARTMED goes beyond technology by promoting a holistic approach to urban development. Through knowledge transfer, capacity building, and international cooperation, the project seeks to create sustainable, resilient and human-centered cities capable of addressing common regional challenges.
By leveraging expertise in digital innovation, artificial intelligence, smart city technologies and sustainable urban development, SMARTMED supports local authorities in designing and implementing effective strategies that improve citizens’ quality of life.
Cross-border cooperation for the future of Mediterranean cities
The collaboration between partners from Greece, Jordan, and Tunisia demonstrates the importance of transnational cooperation in driving meaningful change. Through the exchange of knowledge, experience and innovative practices, SMARTMED is laying the foundations for a scalable and transferable smart city model that can benefit communities across the Mediterranean.
As the project progresses, SMARTMED will continue to showcase how digital transformation and cross-border collaboration can contribute to creating smarter, greener and more inclusive cities for future generations.
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