The UNCHAIN team gather in Mechelen
From May 19 to 21, partners of the UNCHAIN project gathered in the city of Mechelen, in Belgium. As a follower city in the project, Mechelen plays a vital role in supporting the implementation and demonstration of the innovative solutions being developed in the project. The two-day meeting was marked by insightful discussions on project progress, as well as a study visit, made even more enjoyable by the sunny weather!
The General Assembly kicked off on Tuesday afternoon with a warm welcome from project coordinator Elena Garcia (ETRA). This was followed by presentations on the project’s services and a demonstration of tools developed by the developers of VMZ, offering a technical perspective on ongoing innovations.
A hybrid Stakeholder Engagement Group and Peer-Cities Workshop, jointly organized by POLIS, EIT, and UMF, further enriched the program. Participants explored recent activities within the Living Labs and engaged in dynamic discussions about the services being deployed across the project. Representatives from the Florence, Berlin, and Madrid Living Labs shared valuable insights into the development of Key Exploitable Results (KERs) in their local contexts, contributing to a fruitful exchange of experiences and best practices.
Day Two Highlights: Sustainable Construction Logistics and Project Evaluation
The second day of the UNCHAIN meeting began with a nice study visit focused on sustainable urban construction logistics. We enjoyed touring the city with insights provided by Van Poppel Bouwpartner construction company, who guided us through Mechelen’s innovative construction transportation rules and infrastructure.
As we walked through Mechelen’s streets, we discovered how the city successfully balances development with livability. Some areas are fully pedestrianized, while others permit vehicle access only during limited time windows in the morning and evening, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy quieter, more open streets throughout the day.
In the afternoon, discussions shifted back indoors, where VMZ and the University of Lancaster (ULANC) presented updates on the large-scale demonstrations taking place at the project’s demo sites. They provided a detailed overview of the evaluation methodologies and frameworks used to assess both technical and socio-economic impacts.
Next, POLIS shared progress on communication and dissemination efforts, along with updates on stakeholder engagement activities. EIT-UMF followed with an overview of replication efforts across different cities, and SPES Consulting concluded the session with insights into the integration and upgrading of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMP) and Sustainable Urban Logistics Plans (SULP).
Final Day Focuses on Business Innovation and Sustainable Urban Freight
The third and final day of the UNCHAIN meeting opened with a session dedicated to business innovation and go-to-market strategies. Partners engaged in discussions around business models and planning, exploring potential pathways to bring project solutions to market. A collaborative workshop on market analysis provided space for idea exchange and strategic thinking.
The session was wrapped up by project coordinator Elena Garcia (ETRA), who thanked all participants for their contributions and ongoing commitment to the project’s success.
To conclude the event, participants enjoyed one last study visit through the charming streets of Mechelen. The visit ended in front of urban lockers used by the city’s postal service to support more efficient and sustainable last-mile deliveries!
