Authorities in the North Sea region need to accelerate climate change adaptation (CCA). However, they face various decision-making challenges due to the complexity of data and the necessity for timely and just involvement of target groups. While digital solutions, such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and digital twins, have proven effective in converting extensive data sets into reliable visuals and calculations for the development of sustainable and climate-adaptive cities and regions, the successful implementation requires significant investments and strong collaboration and trust among the digital sector, CCA authorities, and stakeholders.
The DISCO Interreg North Sea region project is a partnership between academia, private and governmental sectors from the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, and Sweden, and it aims to enhance the innovation capacities of organisations and citizens to leverage digital solutions for CCA. The project follows a three-step approach:
- Identify Needs: Develop a method to identify the specific needs of CCA authorities.
- Co-Creation Processes: Initiate co-creation processes in various locations within the North Sea region, resulting in: Increased innovation capacity among stakeholders in pilot areas. Plans to dismantle innovation barriers within CCA organisations in the region. Development of replicable digital solutions for CCA.
- Sustainability and Replication: Focus on ensuring the sustainability of developed solutions and their replication to boost innovation capacities in the region’s organizations.
Through this three-step approach, DISCO will create a long-lasting impact by fostering innovation and collaboration in climate change adaptation efforts across the North Sea region.