Where It All Happens – Territories in ACTION Podcast

Can our homes and neighbourhoods be transformed for better life quality? The New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative aims to bring together sustainability, inclusion, and beauty to reimagine the evolution of our living environments. In this episode, architect Bjarke Ingels, along with other NEB entrepreneurs, break down what the NEB truly represents. Sorcha Edwards, Secretary General of Housing Europe, guides us through the upcoming challenges regarding affordable housing, and we travel to Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, to discover how health can drive place-based transformation through the application of NEB principles.

What do institutions mean when they refer to preparedness? Being ready for a pandemic, a natural disaster, a war...? Citizens are giving meaning to preparedness in their own ways, but Europe is transforming it into a long-term vision of anticipation. In this episode, Beatriz Rios, a journalist from the Brussels bubble, helps us understand what this recurrent word means. We hear from cybersecurity expert, María Aperador, who will decode the current digital threats. And, last but not least, we travel to Andalucía, Spain, and Podkarpackie, Poland, to discover how territories are getting ready for future challenges.

Come along while we explore what circularity really means, why it matters and how is shaping Europe´s future. We speak with Antonio Delre from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, who explains the difference between circularity and sustainability. We listen to Dalarna in Sweden and Normandy in France, where local actors share how circular approaches are helping transform industry and bring new life to the plastics sector. Finally, we travel to Sofia, Bulgaria, where representatives from different regions explain how the EU Preparatory Action is helping them turn their ideas into action.

How are territories breaking free from fossil fuels towards a cleaner energy future? In this episode, we hear from climate activist Pauline Brünger and innovators in Norte Portugal, and Westland, Norway, as they share their experiences and insights on how activism, renewable energy and local innovation are steering regional decarbonization towards a greener, resilient, and competitive economy.

Join us as we dive into how public services in Europe are going digital. In this episode, a teacher in France and a social worker in Germany share their insights on how technology impacts their daily work and what can be improved. We also explore the Southern Region of Ireland and Oulu, Finland—areas that aim to make public services smarter and more inclusive for everyone, including those in rural areas. Come along to discover territorial challenges and strategies on how place-based digital transformation could improve people's lives.

Every checkout beep reminds us of our assumption that food is always available. Yet, behind the shelves is a complex network of systems, policies, and people ensuring food remains accessible, affordable, and safe. In this episode, we examine food security as both a global issue and a territorial challenge. Our guest, Sara Roversi, founder and President of the Future Food Institute, shares her insights on innovation in the food system and the significant role that individuals play in this transition. Additionally, representatives from the Catalonia region and Malta governments share their insights on how they are employing innovation approaches to ensure food production and security.

Where It All Happens: adapting to climate changeCome along for the ride as we explore how innovation is helping communities to not only survive but reimagine themselves in the face of the climate crisis. Our guest, Guittemarie Johansen, a zero waste expert, will remind us that climate resilience is not just a goal, but a collective effort. Additionally, representatives from the Spanish and Masovian (Poland) governments share their insights on how they are employing innovation approaches to adapt to climate change. At the Joint Research Centre, our journey with 200 territories helps them use their own potential to innovate and learn from others to transform. This is what innovation for place-based transformation is all about.

Come along for the ride as we explore the digital transformation in industry and its impact on competitiveness. Our guests, Adolfo Morais, Deputy Regional Minister of Science from the Basque Country and Helin Yontar, an expert on AI education, share their insights on how digitalisation is changing the EU industry. At the Joint Research Centre, our journey with 200 territories helps them use their own potential to innovate and learn from others to transform. This is what innovation for place-based transformation is all about.

Come along for the ride as we explore vibrant cities and amazing regions. Listen to their stories and the paths they now take to build a future that’s more sustainable, more digital, and full of opportunity. At the Joint Research Centre, we begin a journey in which 200 territories will use their own potential to innovate and learn from others to transform. This is what innovation for place-based transformation is all about.