Call for Applications
European People-FriendlyCities Stakeholder Analysis STSM of the COST Action TU1204 People-Friendly Cities in a Data Rich World Sept.-Dec. 2016 in Brussels, Belgium (12 weeks (part-time))
Application Deadline: 25 September 2016 Selection: 30 September 2016 • Start: 10 October 2016
The COST Action People-Friendly Cities in a Data Rich World is inviting an early-stage investigator to support the preparation of the Research Roadmap and Strategy for smart and liveable cities by creating an in-depth stakeholder analysis.
What is a Short Term Scientific Mission? Short Term Scientific Missions (STSM) are short-term placements, aimed at supporting individual mobility, strengthening existing networks and fostering collaboration between the participants of ‘COST Actions’ - EUfunded bottom-up science and technology networks. This STSM contributes directly to the objective of the COST Action “People-Friendly Cities in a Data Rich World” to develop a Research Roadmap and Strategy for “smart and liveable cities”. The work will feed into the roadmap development, consolidation and dissemination via the ‘European People-Friendly Cities Forum’ in March 2017. This STSM will take place over 10 days, combining independent research and activities with teamwork and meetings at the DaVinci Institute in Brussels.
Aims To analyse those key research-, innovation and policy stakeholders in the European debate on smart- and liveable cities from both within and outside the COST Action that need to be engaged in the Action Research Roadmap consultation, presentation and dissemination.
Research Objectives 1. Stakeholder Identification: listing relevant groups, organizations, and people 2. Stakeholder Examination: understanding stakeholder perspectives and interests 3. Prioritizing: identifying common interests and issues; ranking stakeholders in relation to their importance to the COST Action Research Roadmap 4. Stakeholder Engagement Plan: identifying the best approach, format and topic for engagement
Deliverables 1. List of 50+ research institutions, projects, companies, cities, policy-makers and programmes relevant to Europe that focus specifically on people-friendly, co-created urban development as understood by this COST action (see below).
2. Analysis of identified stakeholders a stakeholder category grid along the following lines: a. focus (sector of activity, type of stakeholder (policy, research,..) b. expertise (contribution to the subject area, legitimacy) c. willingness (interest in engaging with other players – in particular the COST Action, ease of engagement) d. value (influence (academic, financial, political), clout (necessity of involvement for impact)) 3. Ranked, commented list of top stakeholders to engage and top themes to address in order to ensure the maximum impact of the COST Research Roadmap 4. Engagement plan for top stakeholders identified in Step 3. The STSM will be hosted by the DaVinci Institute Brussels, a network organization and think-tank specializing on cooperation and engagement for collaborative social innovation.
About ‘People-Friendly Cities in a Data Rich World’ The STSM is offered by the COST Action ‘People Friendly Cities in a Data Rich World’ (TU1204). The COST Action co-ordinates a trans-disciplinary network of experts and non-experts that investigate the alignment of the “hardware” (e.g. technology sensors, infrastructures) and “software” (e.g. governance, data driven solutions) of a city with user needs to promote well-being, good health, and a sustainable use of resources, within an evolving people-centred consultation framework for economic, social and political development. The concept of the ‘smart city’ as an emerging new stage of urbanisation has become an important topic for policy, industry, and research. However, the dominant focus on the role of energy, transport and ICT infrastructure, often neglects the ‘social’ and liveable elements that are essential for making cities attractive, healthy, and vibrant places for people to live in. In a data rich world, ‘smart and liveable cities’ bring communities together and encourage social inclusion. Smart and liveable cities do not simply translate into larger, faster or more functional cities. A smart and liveable city can also mean providing city residents with more social connectivity, public spaces and buildings with character; access to cultural, sport, recreational, shopping, and green space amenities; safety from crime; and, public policies that meet human needs.
Why apply? Expand your network: The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with a trans-disciplinary group of experts and practitioners from Brussels, Europe and beyond. Gain new insights: They will gain new insights on ‘people-friendly city development’ - addressing technological, social, cultural, and economic urban challenges in an interdisciplinary, people-centred manner. Contribute your ideas: Taking on a key role in the development of the ‘People-Friendly Cities Forum’, they will have the opportunity to contribute their ideas and insights, thus helping to shape this European event. Work on a high-level EU science & policy forum: By joining the organizing committee of the Forum, the selected candidate will gain valuable insights in the organization of an EU event.
Who can apply? STSM applicants should: • • • • •
have an academic background in a subject related to the activities of the People-Friendly Cities in a Data Rich World Action (BA, MA) be currently engaged in academic or practical work related to the subject of the Action be at the beginning of their academic or practical career (MA, PhD, PhD+3 years; up to 3 years work experience) have a basic knowledge of the Brussels smart city and urban development community able to read and speak some French or Flemish.
Grant Applicants will get a grant of up to EUR 2,000 towards their living and travel expenses. After the STSM, the Grant Holder must submit a scientific report to the Host and to the STSM Coordinator within 30 days after the end of his/her stays. Moreover, the Grant Holder must request a signed acceptance letter of his/her scientific report from the Host (senior researcher at the Host Institution), which the Host sends to the STSM Coordinator. The STSM grant will be paid after the Grant Holder’s scientific report and the acceptance letter from the Host institution have been approved by the STSM Committee. The Grant Holder must therefore pre-finance costs related to the STSM (travel, stay, meals).
How to apply Applicants must send the following documents by the deadline (23:59hrs CET) electronically to Benita Lipps (host institution) via info@davinci-institute.eu: • •
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Motivation Letter (max 1 page) Concept Map for the People Friendly Cities Forum: 1-2 page outline with your ideas on one or several of the following aspects of the event: programme structure, speakers or sessions, session formats, forum activities, stakeholders to involve, communication and engagement strategy for academia/ practitioners/ policy makers/ Brussel residents. CV (including list of publications) Letter of Support from the Home Institution (Reference Letter if no current home institution)