On 1 April 2025, the final event of the Mutual Learning Exercise (MLE) on Public Engagement in Research and Innovation (R&I) took place in Brussels, gathering experts and stakeholders to exchange insights on promoting meaningful public participation in R&I.
Among the key presentations was the introduction of the URBREATH project by Tim Guily from the City of Leuven, highlighting innovative approaches to urban revitalisation through community engagement and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS).
A Horizon Europe initiative, URBREATH focuses on enhancing social interaction, inclusion, and liveability in urban areas. The project integrates communities into the decision-making process for sustainable urban development, supported by advanced technologies such as Local Digital Twins and artificial intelligence.
Tim stressed the importance of placing communities at the centre of urban transformation and showcased how URBREATH’s methodologies have been applied across pilot cities, contributing to more inclusive and environmentally sustainable urban spaces.
The project’s approach strongly aligns with the MLE’s goals, offering valuable perspectives for policymakers and practitioners working to embed public engagement within urban R&I efforts.