Smart City Caravan
ARSC's longest-running program - a national roadshow connecting local administrations with European funding and technology partners.
A national program promoting Smart City solutions, active since 2017 under the patronage of the Romanian Government. The Smart City Caravan tours the country's regions to connect local authorities with European funding sources, technology vendors, and implementation expertise. Having facilitated over 1,300 Smart City and Smart Village projects, it addresses the community need to access the 80 billion euros available through EU 2021-2027 funds and PNRR before the 2027 deadline. The 2026 edition has five stops: Bucharest (opening, September 10), Sibiu (September 17), Brăila (October 6), Timișoara (October 15), and Iași (October 22).
Concept
Romania's longest-running Smart City promotion program, launched in 2017. The Caravan tours every region to connect local administrations with European funding sources and technology partners - a direct response to the gap between available funds (~€80B) and communities' capacity to access and implement projects before 2027.
Key numbers
What this project does
- Romania's longest-running Smart City promotion program, active since 2017
- 5 stops in autumn 2026: Bucharest (Sep 10), Sibiu (Sep 17), Brăila (Oct 6), Timișoara (Oct 15), Iași (Oct 22)
- Direct connections between mayors, RDA directors, and EU funding experts
- Themes: digitalization, green cities, smart mobility, urban regeneration
- Access to 80 bn € of EU funds for 3,000+ eligible local authorities
Participation benefits
- Direct access to European financing sources and validated implementation partners
- Applied guidance on project development and on the fund-absorption timeline
- Networking with Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and technology vendors
- Support across six focus areas: digital transformation, green cities, smart mobility, urban infrastructure, urban regeneration, entrepreneurship
- Partnerships with vetted technology providers (e.g. Lenovo in 2025)
How it works
- 1
Regional preparation
Coordination with the regional RDA on local agenda, priority identification, and invitations to authorities, vendors, and consultants.
- 2
Local event
Public session with mayors, institution directors, EU funding experts, and technology partners - concrete presentations focused on regional priorities.
- 3
Direct networking
1-on-1 meetings between administrations and validated vendors; concrete project discussions and applicable funding sources.
- 4
Outcome follow-up
Qualified project list, viable partnerships, and open European calls; regional report and ongoing connections through the ARSC network.
Context
Audience
- Mayors
- Regional Development Agencies
- Tech vendors
- Funding consultants
Partners
- Lenovo
- Ministry of Energy
- Regional Development Agencies
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