European Union has an annual tradition and establishes one city on the continent that improves the lives of its citizens with innovations that do not exist in other cities implemented in an equally large number. The city of Nantes, in France, was chosen in 2019 as the European capital of innovation, thanks to the many innovative systems that have been implemented in the city over the years to make the lives of citizens better and easier.
The European Union recognized first of all the efforts of 600 citizens of the city of Nantes who invested 120.000 euros for a power plant made of solar panels that covers 3000 m² on the roof of a market in the city. Also in this idea, the city of Nantes also has an autonomous bus line that works only on the basis of photovoltaic energy, but which can also guide itself through the traffic in the city, which is a very interesting innovation.
The EU SURPRISES with the Designation of the European Capital of Innovation in 2019
Apart from these projects, Nantes still has 16 others in full swing, or preparation for implementation, which amazed the people appointed to establish this European capital of innovation. The city of Glasgow, from Great Britain, came in second place in this competition, where the first smart navigable canal was opened in October 2018, using sensors to calculate in advance when the water needs to be removed from the interior before heavy rains.
"Nantes approaches innovation by putting its residents at the center of designing new projects and policies for the city. Businesses, experts and ordinary people come together at citizens' dialogues and "Great Debates" to discuss and develop new initiatives. Fifty-three thousand people were involved in defining Nantes' vision for an energy transition that benefits residents, uses 100% local renewable resources and is entirely citizen-driven."
The city of Espoo in Finland was also taken into consideration, where a smart truck navigates the city and the country to teach people the benefits of the technology, locally also being used by social services. Antwerp in Belgium was also in the game, there is a smart zone in the city that uses sensors and cameras to control street lighting, but also to alert citizens via SMS when it's hot.
The European Union had a very difficult decision to make regarding the most important innovations in Europe, but it is interesting to see what different communities are thinking about to improve their lives.
