Innovation ecosystems for climate change adaptation in urban environments

Urban areas are highly vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change, especially due to the heat island effect caused by accelerated runoff (inadequate rainfall retention systems), lower humidity (less evaporation), and lower thermal reflectance (albedo) amplifying the negative effects of temperature extremes. The main objective of the project CLAIRE is to significantly enhance scientific excellence and cross-border collaboration of two innovation ecosystems from the Czech Republic and Hungary to eliminate the negative impacts of climate change on the urban environment and infrastructure through the establishment and operation of a common Excellence Hub. In the long-term collaboration strategy, CLAIRE will define comprehensive measures allowing growth of the innovation potential of both regions and engaging all relevant players in the field, i.e., academic, public, societal, and business institutions. CLAIRE will provide research and innovation activities in blue-green infrastructure, including identification of the most critical areas. It will also address the need for increased water retention as a prevention of environmental overheating and flooding, investigate the use of “cool” materials with low albedo, and develop various different materials and surfaces to reduce surface and ambient heating. The project is composed of three types of activities: strategic planning and related analytical works; research, innovation, validation of results, and preparation of future demonstrators; and complementary activities (mobility, training, dissemination/exploitation, and engagement of citizens). In the long run, the activities performed within the CLAIRE project will not only contribute to environmental improvements, but will also bring new market opportunities, reduce the operating costs of municipalities, improve quality of life, and support policy decisions based on the latest scientific evidence, and best available technology.