Identifying Gaps and Building New Learning Opportunities
The rapid digitalization of cities brings immense opportunities, but it also exposes a significant skills gap. To ensure that smart cities are not just technologically advanced but also resilient and inclusive, we need a workforce that understands both the digital and human aspects of urban development.
SMARCO is tackling this head-on by mapping existing competencies, developing targeted learning programs, and testing them with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the public sector.
“SMARCO will strive to become a unique one-stop shop for smart communities skills on both sides – industry and public administrations. The aim is to bridge the gap between the challenge owners and the solution providers, and hence increase the chances of implementing new technology solutions that will benefit both the citizens, the cities, the companies, and the society at large” – Says Bjarne Uldal, Chief Innovation Officer at Nordic Edge.
The project addresses two key challenges:
- A lack of focus on developing robust and sustainable solutions for smart communities among ICT professionals, such as smart city engineers.
- A shortage of digital, green, and cybersecurity skills among public sector employees, including smart city planners and procurement officers.
These challenges slow down progress, making it harder for cities to become more sustainable, competitive, and well-prepared for the future. By bridging this gap, SMARCO aims to unlock new economic opportunities, enhance employability, and support Europe’s green transition.
Empowering Smart Communities with Knowledge and Training
To drive real change, SMARCO will create a dedicated skills partnership for smart communities. This initiative will serve as a knowledge hub, offering evidence-based research, trend analysis, and practical training programs tailored to the needs of professionals in both the public and private sectors. Nordic Edge will actively involve its members, inviting them to test and refine these new learning programs to ensure they are relevant, practical, and impactful.
A core element of the project is flexibility—learning should be accessible and adaptable. SMARCO will introduce micro-credentials, training certificates, and a certification framework that allows professionals to upskill at their own pace while ensuring their expertise is recognized across Europe. This approach will make lifelong learning a natural part of building smarter cities.
A Stronger Future Through Collaboration
The SMARCO project is part of the EU’s “Pact for Skills,” a large-scale initiative aimed at strengthening skills development across industries. By creating collaboration between businesses, municipalities, universities, and training providers, SMARCO will create a strong foundation for continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
For Nordic Edge and its members, this project is more than just an opportunity to gain new skills—it is a chance to actively shape the future of smart and sustainable urban development. By participating in SMARCO, our members will gain access to better insights, valuable networks, and training opportunities that can help them stay at the forefront of innovation.
Ultimately, smarter cities start with smarter people. And with SMARCO, we are taking an important step toward building the knowledge and expertise needed to make our communities more resilient, sustainable, and future-ready.
Want to learn about the possibilities in SMARCO? Contact Bjarne
