Press Release
[Bucharest, October 29, 2024] – A consortium of Norwegian and Romanian organizations has officially launched the NORO GREEN CITIES project, an ambitious initiative designed to promote innovative and sustainable urban development. The project is a collaboration between two Norwegian partners, DIH Oceanopolis AS, the project promoter, and Nordic Edge AS, along with three Romanian organizations: Danube Engineering Hub, CITI Cluster, and the National Institute of Economic Research.
Objective and Vision: NORO GREEN CITIES, representing the Norwegian-Romanian Green Cooperation Initiative for Innovation and Environmental Sustainability, aims to utilize digital technologies and smart city solutions to address critical urban challenges. The project focuses on promoting sustainability, improving public-private partnerships, and facilitating the green transition in urban environments.
Innovative Approach to Urban Challenges: The project is structured in two key phases. The first phase lays the groundwork for comprehensive Smart City Roadmaps by assessing current urban challenges, engaging stakeholders, and identifying intervention opportunities. The subsequent phase will concentrate on co-creating these roadmaps for the implementation of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments.
Strategic Partnerships and Knowledge Exchange: NORO GREEN CITIES emphasizes not only technological implementation but also the importance of strong bilateral relationships, knowledge exchange, and capacity development between Norway and Romania. Through this, it aims to create a replicable cooperation model that other regions can adopt.
Empowering Communities and Stakeholders: The project’s comprehensive approach includes a series of thematic workshops, stakeholder engagement events, and collaborative research activities. These efforts are designed to empower local authorities, businesses, and communities to actively participate in and benefit from the project’s outcomes.
Commitment to a Sustainable Future: “The NORO GREEN CITIES project exemplifies our commitment to advancing urban sustainability and digital innovation,” said Stig Marthinsen, CEO of DIH Oceanopolis AS. “By combining expertise from Norway and Romania, we aim to create impactful solutions that can lead to significant and lasting change.”
“I am excited to be part of the NORO GREEN CITIES project, an initiative that allows us to apply our engineering expertise to address real urban challenges. By facilitating the integration of innovative engineering solutions, we aim to contribute significantly to the sustainability and smart transformation of our cities,” stated Irina Radulescu, Director of Danube Engineering Hub.
“At CITI Cluster, we believe that effective partnerships between the public and private sectors are the cornerstone of successful urban development. The NORO GREEN CITIES project provides us with a unique platform to leverage our network and enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors. We are committed to ensuring that smart city solutions are not only innovative but also tailored to the needs and aspirations of our communities,” said Dan Lambescu, Deputy Director of CITI Cluster.
“The National Institute of Economic Research is honored to contribute research capabilities to the NORO GREEN CITIES project. We will focus on conducting thorough economic analyses and sustainable urban planning to ensure that the project’s outcomes are based on sound economic principles and positively contribute to our national economy,” noted Valentina Vasile, Director of the National Institute of Economic Research.
About the Project Consortium:
- DIH Oceanopolis AS, Norway, is the Project Promoter, bringing extensive experience in digital innovation and project management.
- Nordic Edge AS, Norway, specializes in smart city solutions and will contribute technical expertise and prior experience in developing smart city roadmaps.
- Danube Engineering Hub, Romania, will engage Romanian stakeholders and facilitate the integration of engineering solutions.
- CITI Cluster, Romania, will leverage its network to enhance cooperation between the public and private sectors.
- National Institute of Economic Research – Romanian Academy, will provide crucial research support, focusing on economic analysis and sustainable urban planning.
The NORO GREEN CITIES project is funded under the “Open Call for Bilateral Cooperation in the Green Transition, Romania and Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein Fund for Bilateral Relations – SMEs Growth Romania”, reflecting the shared commitment of Norway and Romania to pioneering sustainable urban development.
Supported by a grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through the EEA Grants Romania 2014-2021, within the SME Growth Programme Romania, Open Call for Bilateral Cooperation in the Green Transition.
Working together for a green, competitive, and inclusive Europe.
