Community-level projects play a vital role in sustainability transitions. Whether a community is taking on the planning of a heat network, liberating a neighborhood from transit traffic, or a collective investment in home improvement, social dynamics often determine the success or failure of an innovative community project. A new tool and upcoming conference will support planners, leaders and all interested persons to properly consider these crucial social dynamics in their work.

The SMARTEES project, in which ICLEI Europe is a partner, has studied these 'social dynamics of innovation' in five types of energy- and mobility-related local social innovations across 10 European cities and islands. The research has explored rich data and fascinating stories on the complexities of social innovation. Modelling actual community behaviour has also led to the development of simulation computer models, allowing for experimentation based on actual community behavior, including varied interests, positions and social networks.

The results of these experiments and the robust research done by the project are captured in an upcoming “Policy Sandbox-tool”, which allows planners to test out different scenarios, to help determine the best course of action for social innovations.

The tool will be officially launched at a conference taking place on 14 September online, which will enable participants to explore the tool and learn about state-of-the-art insights regarding how to support communities and strengthen local democracy to achieve sustainable energy- and mobility transitions.

For more information and to register to join the event, click here.