Digital Innovation Skills and Research for Urban and Periurban Transitions

The DISRUPT project addresses the pressing challenges related to urban and periurban modernization through technological innovation, contributing to model-based approaches to analyze and anticipate geopolitical, natural, and health crises. Our objective is to build a research and training network in the emerging domain of Urban Digital Twins (UDTs) and their application to evidence-based urban management, resilient territories and sustainable development. The DISRUPT network will train young researchers and scientists in inclusive and participatory system modeling, data-driven analysis, urban management, sustainability, life cycle analysis, and innovation policies, to advance the understanding and implementation of holistic human-centric UDTs. It will leverage the research outcomes obtained by the DISRUPT members, i.e., advanced UDT tools for disaster and disruption prevention, holistic urban decision-making methods towards resilient and sustainable territories, and proofs of concept on urban and periurban territories, to lower UDT adoption barriers for stakeholders. We will disseminate innovative and digital urban management skills for resilient and sustainable territories in training sessions, doctoral colloquiums, thematic webinars, and workshops in high schools. DISRUPT will be a catalyst for long-term cooperation leading to a joint ERASMUS MUNDUS Master program between the University of Bordeaux (France, coordinator), Ghent University (Belgium), University of Göttingen (Germany), University of Tartu (Estonia), University of Groningen (the Netherlands), and University of the Basque Country (Spain).