Our research examines how cities can use technology and organise partnerships to address practical challenges.
Horizon Europe · 2026–2030
Awakening Places through Sufficiency-led Community Activation
How can communities make better use of the buildings and spaces they already have? INUA develops ways to assess underused places and tests how local partners can bring them back into use while reducing demand for land and materials. Our work at Edinburgh Napier contributes to the living lab methodology and governance guidance.
European Commission project recordHorizon Europe · 2026–2029
Public space and climate-neutral mobility
URBAN-FLOW explores how better data can help cities manage streets and public spaces to improve access and reduce emissions. Edinburgh is a replication city, where the project examines how approaches tested elsewhere can be adapted to local conditions.
Explore the participating citiesHorizon Europe · MSCA Staff Exchanges · 2027–2030
Innovative Networks for Smart Policies, Integration and Research on Digital Transformation and Governance in Smart Sustainable Cities
INSPIRE brings researchers and policymakers together to develop a governance framework for smart sustainable cities. Staff exchanges and paired city pilots will help the team test how the framework works in different institutional settings.
Explore the INSPIRE networkEIT Higher Education Initiative · 2026–2028
SFF Deep Teach Valleys: STEM2Venture Pathway
The project connects university researchers and founders with the support they need to develop deep-tech ventures. Its cross-university incubation programme helps teams test whether research-led ideas can meet real needs.
EIT project recordHorizon Europe · MSCA Doctoral Networks · 2024–2028
Quantum Inspired Valuation of Circular Real Estate
QuiVal trains doctoral researchers to develop valuation approaches that recognise the environmental and social value of circular real estate. Luca Mora contributes to the doctoral network through TalTech and serves on its supervisory board.
European Commission project recordHorizon 2020 · 2019–2027
Establishment of a Smart City Centre of Excellence
FinEst Twins established the FinEst Centre for Smart Cities at Tallinn University of Technology. Edinburgh Napier researchers contribute expertise in smart city governance and urban innovation.
European Commission project recordUN-Habitat
Research and guidance for local and regional governments
Our research with UN-Habitat examined how cities govern digital transformation in practice. It informed a playbook for local and regional governments and the World Smart Cities Outlook 2024.
Read about the collaborationScottish Government · 2021–2025
Smart City Transitions in South East Scotland
This project examined how cities develop and adopt urban digital twins, and how governance and innovation management shape the use of these tools in urban planning.
Edinburgh Napier project recordFinEst Centre for Smart Cities pilot · 2020–2023
Urban digital twins for green planning
GreenTwins developed tools to represent urban vegetation in digital twins. The pilot explored how planners and residents could use those models to discuss changes to urban green spaces.
Explore the pilotHorizon 2020 · 2016–2018
Online Platform for Smart Specialisation Policy Advice
ONLINE-S3 developed tools to help regional authorities design and implement smart specialisation strategies. The team contributed to guidance for stakeholder consultation and the use of evidence in regional innovation policy.
Explore the project and its reports