Our Story as a Best Practice Example

The ID20 Institute places significant emphasis on the challenges faced by young people and other residents in rural and post-industrial areas. We were delighted to accept the invitation from the Municipality of Idrija to join the local group of the Urbact TechDiversity project. In addition to advisory meetings, we hosted the partner group of decision-makers to explain more about our work.

During a working meeting, the partner group visited the premises of the ID20 Institute, where we presented our activities and discussed the main challenges we see in the Municipality of Idrija. We also shared our activities and the challenges we see in a short interview published on the project’s website.

Through participation in projects like TechDiversity, the ID20 Institute raises awareness about the importance of innovation in the field of cultural heritage. We emphasized the importance of collaboration with the local community and other non-governmental organizations, as well as the involvement of young people in activities. This approach helps retain young talents who might otherwise seek opportunities in larger cities, while also focusing on attracting urban residents, including digital nomads.

Emphasis on Boosting the Local Community

TechDiversity is a network of eight URBACT partners representing small and medium-sized European cities. Its goal is to promote and boost diverse local communities that are not active in the technology and digital sector and face specific challenges in the areas of diversity, gender equality, and inclusion. Additionally, the partner cities mainly focus on identified current aspects and support at least one diverse local group in each participating city within the planned action plans.

Most partner cities are located in less developed regions, and many of them face pressing local challenges such as economic decline, lack of industry, brain drain, population decrease, and competition from larger neighbouring cities.

In addition to the Municipality of Idrija, the TechDiversity partnership includes representatives from cities and other public organizations from Greece, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Romania.