The D-A-CH Cooperation on Smart Cities

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Germany, Switzerland and Austria on Smart Cities related research, technology development and innovation (RTDI) provides a formal foundation for transnational cooperation.
Through the activities undertaken within the Smart-Cities-Initiative of the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund, Austria has demonstrated that its cities and researchers are capable of successfully pursuing a European pioneering role. The Smart Cities Demo funding program has also laid the foundation for initiating programming networks and research collaborations within the SET-Plan.

The importance of multilateral research co-operations has been growing within the European research area. Especially the aforementioned SET-Plan and the framework programme Horizon 2020 encourage research cooperation among different countries within EU and beyond. Germany, Switzerland and Austria have, therefore, started a joint cooperation effort with focus on Smart Cities. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) the three countries have created a formal foundation for transnational cooperation.