On 24 September, the University of Venice hosted the final conference of the EnCLOD project, entitled “OPEN DATA – Toward a Better Governance of Mobility and the Territory.” The event brought together more than 70 participants, including representatives from the research community, private companies, public authorities and organisations working in the fields of mobility, territorial development and innovation.
The conference offered an opportunity to explore practical applications and emerging approaches in the use of Open Data, with particular attention to mobility and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Keynote speakers included researchers, start-up founders, entrepreneurs and representatives of local authorities responsible for territorial infrastructure.
Through concrete examples and experiences, the speakers illustrated how Open Data can be collected, analysed, shared and transformed into useful knowledge, highlighting its potential to support evidence-based decision-making, strengthen local governance and improve public services.
Sharing the results of the EnCLOD project
The event was also an important occasion to present and discuss the main results achieved throughout the EnCLOD project. Partners shared experiences, tools and good practices developed during the project, with the aim of facilitating knowledge transfer and encouraging their further uptake and replication beyond the EnCLOD partnership.
Particular attention was dedicated to the Olomouc Pilot Action, which explored how Open Data can support climate change adaptation measures, with a specific focus on addressing the effects of urban heat islands. The pilot demonstrated how data-driven approaches can help local authorities better understand territorial challenges, identify priorities and develop more targeted and effective responses.
The discussion around the pilot also reflected one of EnCLOD’s broader ambitions: turning data into practical knowledge that local and regional authorities can use to respond more effectively to complex territorial challenges.
Looking beyond the end of the project
Although the conference marked the final stage of the EnCLOD project, its results and the cooperation built among partners are intended to continue beyond the project’s lifetime. The tools, methodologies, knowledge and outputs developed throughout EnCLOD provide a foundation for further use, adaptation and replication by public authorities, practitioners and other relevant stakeholders.
The partners confirmed their willingness to continue cooperating by committing to the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding. By formalising their willingness to collaborate, the partners confirmed their intention to continue working together on Open Data and to explore new opportunities for cooperation in the future.
The final conference therefore represented not only an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of EnCLOD, but also a starting point for ensuring that the knowledge, partnerships and solutions developed through the project continue to generate value beyond its formal conclusion.
By strengthening cooperation between public authorities, researchers, businesses and other stakeholders, EnCLOD has contributed to demonstrating how Open Data can become a practical resource for smarter, more sustainable and more resilient territories.