Project Overview
SMILE CITY is a Horizon Europe Innovation Action focused on developing and implementing circular systemic solutions for sustainable urban mobility across Europe. The project aims to accelerate the transition toward carbon-neutral, resource-efficient, and climate-friendly cities by integrating circular economy principles into urban infrastructure and mobility systems.
Operating across 10 pilot locations in 7 countries, SMILE CITY brings together 35 partners from 13 countries to co-develop and test innovative solutions that combine mobility, energy, and materials in a holistic and scalable approach.
The initiative promotes the use of recycled materials, renewable energy, and smart urban design, supporting cities in building more resilient, sustainable, and citizen-centered environments.
Our Role & Contribution
Within SMILE CITY, INNOVA is a sub-contractor that provides specialized support to the Project Coordinator (ETRA), contributing to the effective execution and governance of the project.
Our role includes:
- Supporting project management, coordination, and monitoring activities,
- Ensuring the timely implementation of milestones, deliverables, and reports,
- Managing documentation and performing quality checks across project outputs,
- Maintaining continuous liaison with consortium partners,
- Assisting in the preparation of project updates, reviews, and amendments,
- Contributing to the organization of international conferences, workshops, and seminars aligned with project objectives.
Through this role, INNOVA ensures that SMILE CITY operates efficiently, maintains high-quality standards, and delivers impactful results across all participating regions.
The Challenge
European cities face increasing pressure to reduce emissions, improve mobility systems, and transition toward circular and climate-neutral models. Traditional urban infrastructures often rely on linear resource use, contributing to waste, inefficiency, and environmental degradation.
Key challenges include:
- High carbon emissions from urban mobility systems,
- Inefficient use of materials and lack of circular solutions,
- Limited integration of renewable energy into urban infrastructure,
- Growing demand for sustainable, safe, and accessible mobility options.
SMILE CITY addresses these challenges by introducing integrated, circular, and scalable solutions that combine mobility, materials, and energy into a unified framework.
Consultation Process
Impact & Results
SMILE CITY is set to deliver transformative impact on urban mobility and circular economy adoption across Europe. The project integrates innovations such as off-grid charging stations, solar-powered infrastructure, cycling paths, and urban furniture made from recycled materials, creating a new model for sustainable cities.
By leveraging circular materials and renewable energy, the project contributes to:
- reducing CO₂ emissions and environmental impact,
- promoting sustainable and active mobility solutions,
- increasing resource efficiency through reuse and recycling,
- improving urban safety and quality of life.
Beyond technical outcomes, SMILE CITY actively engages citizens, municipalities, and industry leaders, fostering awareness and accelerating the transition toward a circular and climate-friendly urban economy.
The project ultimately contributes to building smarter, greener, and more resilient cities across Europe, aligned with the EU Green Deal and Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI).
Project Information :
