China, International Urban and Regional Cooperation in Asia and the Pacific – Bilateral Action China
IURC China is one of the key components of IURC’s global cooperation projects with key partner countries. The project is funded by the European Union’s Partnership Instrument (PI). This programme represents a second phase of the International Urban Cooperation programme (IUC) which ran from 2016-2020. In order to promote innovation through
inter-regional cooperation between the EU and its partners, the name has been changed to International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC).
General Objective:
The wider objective of the project is to lead and develop urban and regional cooperation between the EU and China. The activities are twofold: sustainable urban development and innovation.
Component 1: City-to-City cooperation in the field of sustainable urban development one-to-one and, primarily, in thematic clusters
Component 2: Region-to-Region cooperation in the field of innovation one-to-one and in thematic clusters
Specific Objectives:
The specific objectives: actively engage a total of 20 city (10) and regional (10) partnership under the IURC Project; thereby engaging governments, research institutions, business and private sector organisations
- Component 1: supports Chinese and EU cities to develop approaches and implement solutions to common urban challenges
- Component 2: supports a limited number of Chinese and EU regions/provinces to be understood as sub-national entities to develop and implement innovation actions for regional and local development cooperation and investments on a mutual benefit basis.
Main scope:
The main scope work evolves around various thematic clusters, including ecological transition (green deal), urban renewal and innovaiton ecosystems and strategic sectors; as well as several cross-cutting themes, including: smart city & digital transition, climate change & energy transition, and post-COVID Recovery & Social Inclusion
Core Activities:
Core activities consist of:
- Assist in the selection of the pilot cities and regions;
- Provide guidance and support to the cities and regions to identify the best cooperation mechanisms;
- Mentor cities and regions for drafting the action plans;
- Promote exchange and concrete cooperation between pilot cities and regions;
- Organize relevant online/on-site events;
IURC itself does not provide funds for the implementation of identified pilot projects but offers additional support to the cities and regions to identify suitable sources of funding, including through cooperation with International Financial Institutions (IFIs). The role of the IURC China team: helpdesk for cities and regions i.e., provide administrative, logistical, technical support, coaching and mentoring services, and financial liaison to pairing and signatory cities and regions, as well as to other national institutions interested in IURC China.