Green & Digital Workshop - Smart Cities, Sustainable Communities

The Green & Digital session, held on October 16 during the Transilvania Digital Innovation Summit organized by Transilvania IT Cluster, brought together experts directly involved in building greener and smarter communities. Among the speakers were representatives from technology, energy, agriculture, sustainability initiatives and civic organizations, offering a multidisciplinary perspective.

The session opened with a powerful artistic moment by the Extinct theatre group, inviting participants to reflect on individual environmental responsibility. Building on this, the discussion explored one of today’s biggest challenges: transforming cities and communities into sustainable, intelligent environments. Speakers addressed key themes such as the circular economy and urban recycling, public - private collaboration for sustainability, civic participation in green and digital initiatives, and the role of emerging technologies, including data spaces, AI, IoT and drones.

Throughout the workshop, speakers highlighted how innovation and technology can accelerate this transition: from digital tools that optimize energy consumption to platforms that foster civic engagement and cross-sector collaboration. The discussions showcased concrete projects, both local and international, illustrating how we can build resilient, people-centered green cities. Among these concrete projects was the DS2 project, which aims to break down industry verticals by enabling decentralised and secure data exchange for the development and management of complex apps. A special focus was placed on Cluj-Napoca’s journey – its flagship initiatives, the connections that drive progress, and the essential role of community members who bring impactful ideas to life.