Funded by the Sixth Framework Programme on Research and Technological Development, this four year project connects knowledge providers and end-users to allow the exchange of best practice, expertise and application of sustainable urban development solutions.

In general terms, a matrix is a table that processes two different sets of data in order to be able to analyse and match them. In the case of the URBAN MATRIX project, the two sets of data represent:

MATRIX will match these two points of view – the knowledge demand and the knowledge offer – to meet the needs of cities and support dissemination and implementation of current and future EU legislation on Sustainable Urban Development, and the use of EU project outputs.

Through three annual rounds of data collection (in 2006, 2007, and 2008), the URBAN MATRIX survey aims to build up a picture of the knowledge demand of local authorities.

The project website hosts a e-library displaying information on the topics identified by the survey and addressed by the project. The e-library is connected to related project and initiatives in the field of knowledge transfer, such as the European Urban Knowledge Network, the Susta.Info project, and the Actor project.

On the basis of the thematic priorities identified through the survey and the type of information requested by the cities, 6 thematic workshops will be set up to support the knowledge transfer process. The workshops will have a concrete focus – offering transferable examples of best practice in a practical, ‘how to do it’ in way that attendees can take home with them. Workshops will be held twice a year and will be open to participation from all interested cities.

Towards the end of the project, final recommendations on knowledge gaps and the relevant strategies to fill them will be submitted to the European Commission.

13 Partners constitute the URBAN MATRIX consortium. However, the project aims to actively work with its partners on activities that can be engaging for a wider group of local authorities, beyond the original consortium of partners. All European cities and towns are invited to interact with the URBAN MATRIX project!