The 7th International Partners Meeting of the Complex Challenges – Innovative Cities (CCIC) project took place in Birmingham, UK, on the 5th and the 6th of June 2014.
In the first part of the event partners focused on discussing practical matters related to the implementation of the project. During the second day representatives of the Birmingham City Council elaborated on the recently launched Digital Log Book – an on-line tool aiming to incentivise beneficiaries of the municipal welfare support schemes to improve their digital literacy and financial management skills. In doing that they have to create an online profile which allows them to access a wide range of public services provided by their landlords (e.g. rent account information), local authorities (e.g. council tax) and third sector organisations (e.g. employment, education and health). One of the major advantages of this novel scheme of benefits provision is that it incentivises the beneficiaries of the welfare services to take more responsibility and improve their capacities to self-serve and properly manage their available resources. The case provides a great example for successful collaboration between the public and the private sector and has been recognised as innovative approach to increase the efficiency, improve the sustainability and reduce costs for the municipality.
CCIC involves 14 partners from 10 EU countries, representing municipal and regional authorities, local development agencies, as well as nonprofits dealing with sciences and technologies, research and policy analyses. It is funded under INTERREG IVC programme co-funded by the national governments.
