Fostering the uptake of Copernicus by Local and Regional Authorities through user engagement and sharing of transnational experiences

The activities of this action aim at sharing knowledge and experience among European, and especially among French, German, and Swiss regions and at promoting the operational uses of Copernicus data and services by Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs).

While Copernicus data and services are already available for exploitation, and a number of examples exist proving their added value for public and private organisations, their uptake is still limited. This is due to a lack of awareness on the existence of these services and to a misperception on the technical skills required to use such services. Potential Copernicus users in LRAs and non-space SMEs, as well as service providers are the main target of this action. The activities will put forward the experience, needs and feedback of users and service providers, which are considered as the best ambassadors to promote Copernicus uses. In particular, the activities will aim at raising the awareness of the LRAs and SMEs involved in the concrete uses and benefits of Copernicus, and stimulating the uptake of Copernicus data and services. Furthermore, the action will include the development of a concept for a “Copernicus City Award” to be awarded to towns/city/villages using Copernicus data and services to the benefit of their inhabitants.

A main activity of the action will be the exchange in form of awareness-raising workshops to identify emerging needs, present existing tools and trainings on the use of Copernicus data, and conduct working sessions on the joint development of services linked to other data providers.