On February 26–27, 2025, the UR-DATA project hosted an expert visit and short-term on-site training titled Advances in Urban Development Analysis 2025. The event brought together leading researchers and practitioners to discuss innovative approaches in urban development, smart cities, transport optimization, and labor market dynamics.
Day 1: Insights into Smart and Resilient Urban Development
The event kicked off at the Science-Technology Park Niš, with welcome speeches from Prof. Vesna Janković – Milić, Vice-dean of FEUN, and Milan Ranđelović, Director of STP Niš, followed by opening remarks from Prof. Jelena J. Stanković, UR-DATA Project Coordinator.
The first session featured expert lectures, including Prof. Stephan Brunow (University of Applied Labour Studies, Germany), who explored regional wage structures, Dr. Alessandro Lue (Poliedra, Politecnico di Milano), who presented research on integrating public transport with urban planning, and Dr. Claudia van der Laag (Oslo Metropolitan University), who emphasized the role of people in building smart cities. Discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities for creating sustainable and efficient urban systems.
The afternoon session continued with the UR-DATA semi-annual project meeting, where consortium members reviewed progress, discussed key findings, and strategized for the final project phase.
Day 2: Smart Data, Entrepreneurship & Future Collaboration
The second day, hosted at the Faculty of Economics, University of Niš, focused on urban data analytics, demographic shifts, and sustainable entrepreneurship. The program opened with Prof. Stephan Brunow, who discussed labor market shortages and demographic changes, highlighting key challenges for policymakers and urban planners. Later, Branko Krsmanović (City&Me) shared insights into citizen science applications in urban data analytics. Milivoje Jovanović (ENECA) concluded the expert lectures with a session on smart and responsible entrepreneurship for fostering urban sustainability.
The event wrapped up with a brainstorming session on future project proposals, exploring funding opportunities within Danube Interreg and Horizon programs.
The UR-DATA Expert Visit & Training 2025 served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, strengthening international collaboration, and advancing data-driven urban research. The insights and discussions from this event will play a crucial role in shaping future initiatives for smart and resilient urban development.