Partners

BRICKS brings together 22 organisations from 9 European countries: universities and research centres, a policy think tank, a climate innovation agency, five pilot cities and the local enterprises and NGOs that run the pilots on the ground.

  • 22 partners
  • 9 countries
  • 5 pilot cities
  • 7 work packages

Research, policy and innovation

Core team

The five organisations that lead the work packages and connect the pilots to research, assessment and policy.

  • Politecnico di Milano

    POLIMI · Italy

    • Coordinator
    • WP5 lead
    • WP7 lead

    About

    Ranked among the world's top six universities in design. Its Department of Design, Europe's largest and most research-active, combines research, education and innovation with a focus on sustainability, circularity and social impact. Member of the Culture & Creativity KIC, Cumulus and the World Design Organisation.

    About the organisation

    Ranked among the world's top six universities in design. Its Department of Design, Europe's largest and most research-active, combines research, education and innovation with a focus on sustainability, circularity and social impact. Member of the Culture & Creativity KIC, Cumulus and the World Design Organisation.

    Role in BRICKS

    Coordinates the consortium and leads project management and ethics (WP7). Leads the production of new scientific evidence on how place-based social entrepreneurship drives neighbourhood co-creation (WP5).

  • Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi

    UB · Italy

    • WP4 lead

    About

    Leading European university in business, economics, management and law, involved in over 100 EU and international research projects. Hosts GREEN, a centre of excellence in environmental economics and climate policy, and the Sustainable Urban Regeneration (SUR) Lab, an official partner of the New European Bauhaus.

    About the organisation

    Leading European university in business, economics, management and law, involved in over 100 EU and international research projects. Hosts GREEN, a centre of excellence in environmental economics and climate policy, and the Sustainable Urban Regeneration (SUR) Lab, an official partner of the New European Bauhaus.

    Role in BRICKS

    Leads systemic assessment and business modelling (WP4): the economic viability, governance innovation and impact investment potential of the five pilots.

  • Technische Universität Dortmund

    TUDO · Germany

    • WP1 lead

    About

    Known for technology transfer under the principle of "people and technology". Its Social Research Center (sfs) is internationally recognised for social innovation research and is part of the German competence centre for social innovation.

    About the organisation

    Known for technology transfer under the principle of "people and technology". Its Social Research Center (sfs) is internationally recognised for social innovation research and is part of the German competence centre for social innovation.

    Role in BRICKS

    Leads the transdisciplinary research and innovation framework (WP1): the shared methodology, co-design tools and training used across the pilots.

  • The Lisbon Council

    LC · Belgium

    • WP6 lead

    About

    Brussels-based policy and technology think tank with an extensive network of policy stakeholders. Coordinator of URBREATH, with technology and policy roadmapping and foresight work such as BigPolicyCanvas, REINFORCE and GovTech Connect.

    About the organisation

    Brussels-based policy and technology think tank with an extensive network of policy stakeholders. Coordinator of URBREATH, with technology and policy roadmapping and foresight work such as BigPolicyCanvas, REINFORCE and GovTech Connect.

    Role in BRICKS

    Leads networking, policy co-creation and dissemination (WP6): policy sandboxes in the pilot cities, investment dialogues and the project's communication.

  • Climate-KIC International Foundation

    CKIC · Netherlands

    • WP2 lead
    • WP3 lead

    About

    Europe's leading climate innovation initiative, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). A core partner of the New European Bauhaus, it builds partnerships across business, academia and the public sector.

    About the organisation

    Europe's leading climate innovation initiative, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). A core partner of the New European Bauhaus, it builds partnerships across business, academia and the public sector.

    Role in BRICKS

    Leads place-based innovation (WP2) and reflective learning (WP3): coordinates the five Place-Based Innovation Labs and orchestrates the local innovation ecosystem in Cluj-Napoca.

One line per city

Pilot coalitions

Each Place-Based Innovation Lab is run by a local coalition that brings together public, academic and implementation partners.

Aerial view of the Countesswells neighbourhood in Aberdeen, with new homes around green open spaces

Pilot · United Kingdom

Aberdeen

Countesswells Circular Neighbourhood Hub · 3 partners

  • Ogilvie Homes

    OGIL · United Kingdom

    • Pilot lead

    About

    A family-owned housebuilder founded in 1985, building quality homes across Central Scotland and beyond. Known for site-by-site design and build quality, it has two Saltire Award-winning schemes and Homes for Scotland Awards, and completes over 250 homes a year.

    About the organisation

    A family-owned housebuilder founded in 1985, building quality homes across Central Scotland and beyond. Known for site-by-site design and build quality, it has two Saltire Award-winning schemes and Homes for Scotland Awards, and completes over 250 homes a year.

    Role in BRICKS

    Leads the implementation of the Circular Neighbourhood Hub in Countesswells.

  • KFM Innovation

    KFMIL · United Kingdom

    About

    A Scotland-based innovation consultancy that supports industry, SMEs and academia from idea generation and R&D to implementation and knowledge valorisation. Its team has decades of experience in grant writing, feasibility studies and business models, in domains such as AI, circular economy and smart mobility.

    About the organisation

    A Scotland-based innovation consultancy that supports industry, SMEs and academia from idea generation and R&D to implementation and knowledge valorisation. Its team has decades of experience in grant writing, feasibility studies and business models, in domains such as AI, circular economy and smart mobility.

    Role in BRICKS

    Brings expertise in innovation processes and stakeholder engagement, turning co-designed concepts into operational, replicable services.

  • Urban DNA Solutions

    URBANDNA · United Kingdom

    About

    A UK-based specialist partnership that helps progressive cities, industry and investors deliver better solutions faster to common urban challenges. Its work ranges from strategic advice to technical solutions and financing mechanisms. It has a global network of associates and close ties with European cities.

    About the organisation

    A UK-based specialist partnership that helps progressive cities, industry and investors deliver better solutions faster to common urban challenges. Its work ranges from strategic advice to technical solutions and financing mechanisms. It has a global network of associates and close ties with European cities.

    Role in BRICKS

    Brings expertise in circular economy practices and stakeholder engagement to the hub.

Visit the pilot
Aerial view of Cluj-Napoca with the Casino in Central Park and the lake in the foreground

Pilot · Romania

Cluj-Napoca

The Community Mobility Hub · 4 partners

  • Municipiul Cluj-Napoca

    MCN · Romania

    • Pilot lead
    • City

    About

    The local authority of one of Romania's main urban, academic and innovation centres. Holder of the EU Mission Label, Cluj-Napoca follows a Climate City Contract and has long experience as lead partner and pilot city in Horizon Europe, URBACT and Interreg projects.

    About the organisation

    The local authority of one of Romania's main urban, academic and innovation centres. Holder of the EU Mission Label, Cluj-Napoca follows a Climate City Contract and has long experience as lead partner and pilot city in Horizon Europe, URBACT and Interreg projects.

    Role in BRICKS

    Anchors the Community Mobility Hub in local policies and governance frameworks.

  • Universitatea Tehnică din Cluj-Napoca

    TUCN · Romania

    About

    One of Romania's leading engineering institutions, the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca is a public university with about 20,000 students and a dozen faculties in Cluj-Napoca and Baia Mare, from computer science and engineering to architecture. It has close ties to the region's IT and automotive industries.

    About the organisation

    One of Romania's leading engineering institutions, the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca is a public university with about 20,000 students and a dozen faculties in Cluj-Napoca and Baia Mare, from computer science and engineering to architecture. It has close ties to the region's IT and automotive industries.

    Role in BRICKS

    Contributes scientific and technical expertise to the pilot.

  • ADI Zona Metropolitană Cluj

    CMA · Romania

    About

    The intercommunity development association of Cluj-Napoca and 18 surrounding communes. It coordinates metropolitan cooperation and develops projects and strategies on territorial development, sustainable mobility, climate, housing, social inclusion and urban innovation, with extensive experience in EU-funded projects.

    About the organisation

    The intercommunity development association of Cluj-Napoca and 18 surrounding communes. It coordinates metropolitan cooperation and develops projects and strategies on territorial development, sustainable mobility, climate, housing, social inclusion and urban innovation, with extensive experience in EU-funded projects.

    Role in BRICKS

    Ensures institutional anchoring and alignment with metropolitan policies.

  • OpenGreen

    OG · Romania

    • Associated partner

    About

    An engineering and technical consultancy based in Cluj-Napoca, working with public and private clients and in European research and innovation projects. It offers analysis and advice, engineering input during design, and support through procurement and implementation, from single studies to long-term involvement.

    About the organisation

    An engineering and technical consultancy based in Cluj-Napoca, working with public and private clients and in European research and innovation projects. It offers analysis and advice, engineering input during design, and support through procurement and implementation, from single studies to long-term involvement.

    Role in BRICKS

    Engages local SMEs, supports implementation in real-life conditions and strengthens the market validation of the solutions.

Visit the pilot
Marseille Vieux-Port with Notre-Dame de la Garde on the hill above

Pilot · France

Marseille

Low-Carbon Cargo and Cycling Hub · 4 partners

  • Ville de Marseille

    MRS · France

    • Pilot lead
    • City

    About

    France's second-largest city and the centre of its third-largest metropolitan area, on the Mediterranean coast. A major hub for international telecommunications networks and holder of the French Tech label, Marseille works as an open-air laboratory for public-private collaboration, start-ups and research.

    About the organisation

    France's second-largest city and the centre of its third-largest metropolitan area, on the Mediterranean coast. A major hub for international telecommunications networks and holder of the French Tech label, Marseille works as an open-air laboratory for public-private collaboration, start-ups and research.

    Role in BRICKS

    Coordinates the pilot, provides access to public spaces and integrates the hub into the city's sustainability and inclusion strategies.

  • Boîtes à Vélo France

    LBV · France

    About

    The Marseille chapter of the national network promoting professional cycling and bike-based entrepreneurship. It supports entrepreneurs, freelancers and businesses working by bike, offers training and networking, and works with public authorities on policies and infrastructure that support professional cycling.

    About the organisation

    The Marseille chapter of the national network promoting professional cycling and bike-based entrepreneurship. It supports entrepreneurs, freelancers and businesses working by bike, offers training and networking, and works with public authorities on policies and infrastructure that support professional cycling.

    Role in BRICKS

    Brings expertise in circular mobility and cycle-based local businesses.

  • Ekinos

    EK · France

    About

    A Marseille consulting and engineering firm specialising in energy transition and sustainable mobility, from EV charging and vehicle fleets to cycling. Since 2021 it has supported local governments and companies with strategies, studies and projects, and works on a cycle-logistics project in Marseille.

    About the organisation

    A Marseille consulting and engineering firm specialising in energy transition and sustainable mobility, from EV charging and vehicle fleets to cycling. Since 2021 it has supported local governments and companies with strategies, studies and projects, and works on a cycle-logistics project in Marseille.

    Role in BRICKS

    Brings expertise in social innovation to the hub.

  • 3 S: Séjour Sportif Solidaire

    RS · France

    About

    Recyclerie Sportive Marseille is a non-profit promoting sustainable, inclusive and accessible sport and mobility. It collects, repairs and resells sports and cycling equipment, runs cycling education and self-repair workshops in underserved neighbourhoods, and offers employment and training in reuse and the circular economy.

    About the organisation

    Recyclerie Sportive Marseille is a non-profit promoting sustainable, inclusive and accessible sport and mobility. It collects, repairs and resells sports and cycling equipment, runs cycling education and self-repair workshops in underserved neighbourhoods, and offers employment and training in reuse and the circular economy.

    Role in BRICKS

    Brings expertise in community-based services, reuse and training.

Visit the pilot
Towers and red rooftops of Tallinn old town, with the domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Pilot · Estonia

Tallinn

Kopli 93 Circularity and Craft Hub · 3 partners

  • Tallinna Linn

    TLN · Estonia

    • Pilot lead
    • City
    Website

    About

    The City of Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, combines a strong historical identity with a forward-looking approach to urban development. Influenced by both its rich cultural heritage and its reputation as one of Europe’s most digitally advanced cities, Tallinn works to create a greener, more inclusive, and future-oriented urban environment. Through urban planning, innovation, and cross-sector cooperation, the city develops solutions to social and environmental challenges while promoting sustainable resource use, active community engagement, and high-quality public spaces. Tallinn values both the preservation of its historic urban fabric and the introduction of contemporary, people-centred approaches that enhance quality of life and strengthen long-term urban resilience.

    About the organisation

    The City of Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, combines a strong historical identity with a forward-looking approach to urban development. Influenced by both its rich cultural heritage and its reputation as one of Europe’s most digitally advanced cities, Tallinn works to create a greener, more inclusive, and future-oriented urban environment. Through urban planning, innovation, and cross-sector cooperation, the city develops solutions to social and environmental challenges while promoting sustainable resource use, active community engagement, and high-quality public spaces. Tallinn values both the preservation of its historic urban fabric and the introduction of contemporary, people-centred approaches that enhance quality of life and strengthen long-term urban resilience.

    Role in BRICKS

    Provides policy support and aligns the hub with the city's governance frameworks.

  • Tallinna Tehnikaülikool

    TalTECH · Estonia

    About

    Estonia's only university of technology. Its Caring City research group, at the Academy of Architecture and Urban Studies, studies how participatory processes, spatial design and local collaboration can make urban neighbourhoods fairer, more inclusive and more sustainable.

    About the organisation

    Estonia's only university of technology. Its Caring City research group, at the Academy of Architecture and Urban Studies, studies how participatory processes, spatial design and local collaboration can make urban neighbourhoods fairer, more inclusive and more sustainable.

    Role in BRICKS

    Contributes technical expertise to the co-design and implementation of solutions in Tallinn: its architecture students work with residents and local partners on future scenarios for the Kopli 93 community hub.

  • Spatialist Studies

    Spatialist · Estonia

    About

    An Estonian non-profit working across architecture, urbanism and research. Through analyses, exhibitions and design projects, it explores how the built environment can respond to local social and ecological challenges, with a focus on participation, resource reuse and inclusive public spaces.

    About the organisation

    An Estonian non-profit working across architecture, urbanism and research. Through analyses, exhibitions and design projects, it explores how the built environment can respond to local social and ecological challenges, with a focus on participation, resource reuse and inclusive public spaces.

    Role in BRICKS

    Contributes spatial and community analysis.

Visit the pilot
Plaza Mayor of Valladolid seen from the City Hall clock tower

Pilot · Spain

Valladolid

The Energy and Water Community Cooperative · 3 partners

  • Ayuntamiento de Valladolid

    IdeVa · Spain

    • Pilot lead
    • City

    About

    The City Council of Valladolid works through IdeVa, its agency for innovation and economic development. IdeVa leads the Energy Transition Team of Misión Valladolid, working towards climate neutrality by 2030, and connects institutions, businesses, researchers and citizens in line with the New European Bauhaus.

    About the organisation

    The City Council of Valladolid works through IdeVa, its agency for innovation and economic development. IdeVa leads the Energy Transition Team of Misión Valladolid, working towards climate neutrality by 2030, and connects institutions, businesses, researchers and citizens in line with the New European Bauhaus.

    Role in BRICKS

    Coordinates the pilot and brings governance capacity.

  • Urban Climate Economy

    UCE · Spain

    About

    A Valladolid think-and-do tank linked to an architecture practice. It defines the best urban climate a city can achieve and the interventions and business models needed to reach it, and promotes the Zorrilla Pisuerga Central District as a model Positive Energy District.

    About the organisation

    A Valladolid think-and-do tank linked to an architecture practice. It defines the best urban climate a city can achieve and the interventions and business models needed to reach it, and promotes the Zorrilla Pisuerga Central District as a model Positive Energy District.

    Role in BRICKS

    Brings technical and engineering expertise in energy and resource management.

  • EOS Global Environment Assets

    EOS · Spain

    About

    A Spanish renovation agent working as a one-stop shop for the deep decarbonisation of buildings. Its zero-upfront-cost model covers financing, works and energy management with full warranty. Cited as good practice by the Spanish Government and the European Commission, it manages over 45 residential macro-projects.

    About the organisation

    A Spanish renovation agent working as a one-stop shop for the deep decarbonisation of buildings. Its zero-upfront-cost model covers financing, works and energy management with full warranty. Cited as good practice by the Spanish Government and the European Commission, it manages over 45 residential macro-projects.

    Role in BRICKS

    Brings technical and engineering expertise in energy and resource management, and its executive and financial capacity to demonstrate the viability of the Valladolid energy and water community business model.

Visit the pilot