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OPENCities

OPENCities OPENCities is a new European project that Belfast is leading, along with nine other cities from across the EU and the British Council.

For Belfast to be selected to lead this prestigious project is a major achievement for the city, reflecting our increased influence on the European stage.

About the project

The project will explore how international populations can significantly contribute to the success of a city’s economy. It was initiated because of a belief that cities that attract skilled migrant workers are more competitive than cities that don’t.

In order to be attractive, cities must be open to new people and new ideas. So the OPENCities project will try to answer questions such as: By attracting new international populations cities will inevitably attract more international events, investors and visitors. This ‘internationalisation’ will lead to greater diversity, which leads to more economic success.

Openness can be defined as “the quality and sum of the local conditions that attract and retain international populations over time”.

Local Action Plan

The project was officially launched in January 2009 at the Belfast Waterfront.

It will run until May 2011, producing a Local Action Plan for each city with the help of a specially selected group of interested parties and stakeholders known as the Local Support Group.

The Local Action Plan will propose a series of actions required in order for strategy and policy in this area to succeed including:
  • what needs to be done
  • who should be involved
  • how it will be carried out, in terms of funds, resources and methods
  • when this will happen.
The Local Support Group will also improve the impact of transnational exchange activity between countries at a local level and to take key messages about managing sustainable cities to a far broader audience.

Regions for Economic Change

The project has also been selected as one of the European Commission’s ‘fast track’ projects, under an initiative known as Regions for Economic Change.

In practice, this means that the partners in the project will work closely with the European Commission to track policy and transferable practice evolving from the project so that other cities in the EU can learn from our experiences. OPENCities is the only project from the UK to be selected for this prestigious 'fast track' status.

URBACT

The project is funded by URBACT - a European programme which aims to encourage the exchange of information and expertise among European cities on issues related to sustainable urban development. These funds come from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The project has also been selected as one of the European Commission’s ‘fast track’ projects, under an initiative known as Regions for Economic Change.

In practice, this means that the partners in the project will work closely with the European Commission to track policy and transferable practice evolving from the project so that other cities in the EU can learn from our experiences. OPENCities is the only project from the UK to be selected for this prestigious 'fast track' status.

Which cities are taking part?

Along with Belfast, the cities taking part in the project include: The British Council is also a full partner in the project. They are also coordinating a global OPENCities project involving cities from across the world.

More information

Find out more about URBACT and OPENCities on the URBACT website: www.urbact.eu