On 5–6 May 2026, partners of the EnCLOD project gathered in Olomouc, Czech Republic, for a two-day programme dedicated to open data, digital innovation, and territorial governance. Hosted by Palacký University Olomouc (UPOL), the meeting combined an Inspirational Workshop open to external stakeholders with a Transnational Partner Meeting focused on the project’s ongoing implementation and future activities.
The event brought together researchers, local authorities, technical experts, project partners, and practitioners to exchange knowledge and explore how Open Data and digital tools can support more participatory, evidence-based, and sustainable governance models across Europe.
The programme opened with welcome speeches from representatives of Palacký University and the City of Olomouc, highlighting the importance of cooperation between academia, public authorities, and civil society in addressing contemporary urban challenges through innovation and data-driven approaches.
Throughout the Inspirational Workshop, participants explored a wide range of themes related to smart cities and territorial governance. Sessions focused on the use of digital twins, sensor data analytics, urban microzoning, and citizen-oriented digital solutions. Special attention was dedicated to the Urban Heat Island phenomenon, one of the key topics addressed within the Olomouc pilot action of the EnCLOD project.
Experts presented practical examples of how Open Data can support urban planning and public decision-making processes. Discussions also showcased innovative tools developed within the project, including AI-based applications linked to environmental monitoring and data visualisation. Participants further explored experiences from Open Data portals and smart city initiatives implemented in different Czech cities and institutions, including Brno, Ostrava, and the Olomouc Region.
Another important moment of the workshop was the presentation of the results of the Olomouc Hackathon, organised within the EnCLOD framework. The initiative highlighted how collaborative and participatory approaches can foster innovative solutions for territorial governance while actively engaging citizens, students, and local stakeholders.
Alongside the public workshop, project partners held a Transnational Partner Meeting dedicated to the coordination of the project’s next steps. Discussions focused on the development and finalisation of the Open Data tools under WP2, communication and citizen engagement activities, policy briefs, educational materials, and the preparation of non-technical summaries of the pilot actions for wider dissemination purposes.
Partners also discussed the organisation of the EnCLOD Final Conference, which will take place in Venice, as well as strategies to ensure the long-term uptake and scalability of project results beyond the project’s duration.
Beyond the technical discussions and working sessions, the meeting represented an important opportunity to strengthen transnational cooperation and reinforce the shared commitment of all partners towards more transparent, participatory, and data-driven governance models.
The event concluded with networking activities and local study visits, including excursions to the Faculty of Science laboratories and the Department of Geoinformatics of Palacký University, offering participants additional insights into innovative research and technological applications linked to territorial analysis and urban planning.
Through initiatives such as the Olomouc workshop and partner meeting, EnCLOD continues to promote collaboration, innovation, and citizen engagement as key drivers for the future of territorial governance in Europe.