From planning to action
At the beginning of June, T4R partners got together in Rennes, France, for a dynamic and productive Consortium Meeting, kindly hosted by Rennes Ville et Métropole. Over two days, the meeting marked an important milestone in the project’s journey: clear progress from planning towards implementation.
Gaining momentum
The first day set the tone, reflecting where T4R currently stands: getting into action. Pilot activities are now being implemented, and the training programme is moving from concept to delivery. This shift was evident in the energy and collaboration among partners, who worked closely on developing training sessions adapted to different target groups.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the discussions was the diversity within the consortium. Pilot partners operate in very different contexts, each with their own use cases and objectives. Despite these differences, there is a strong sense of alignment and shared purpose. The willingness to exchange knowledge, learn from each other, and combine expertise is strengthening the project as a whole.
Interactive, flexible, and partner-driven
The second day continued in the same energy: open, flexible, and interactive. The agenda was intentionally designed to give partners space to shape discussions and focus on what matters most to them at this stage.
Important topics included building internal buy-in, co-creating meaningful training programmes, and tackling concrete local challenges faced by pilot partners. With this partner-driven approach, we could make sure that conversations remained practical, relevant, and solution-oriented.
Understanding and transforming 'feedback loops'
An interesting session was the interactive workshop on feedback loops. Partners explored how negative loops can emerge in cities working with Local Digital Twins and other innovative projects, often due to limited support, resources, or visibility.
Rather than stopping at challenges, the group focused on solutions: how to transform these into positive, reinforcing dynamics. Participants mapped real-life examples from their own experiences and identified actionable ways to overcome barriers.
A key takeaway from the session was the importance of storytelling. Sharing clear, compelling success stories (tailored to specific audiences) helps build trust, increase understanding, and generate momentum. Empowering ambassadors within organisations to share these stories was also identified as a powerful strategy.
Building the T4R Joint Starter Kit
In the afternoon, discussions turned towards the development of the T4R Starter Kit, an important first step towards the Joint Handbook. This deliverable aims to consolidate the knowledge and tools developed throughout the project into a practical resource for wider use.
An exciting option currently being explored is the potential integration of an AI-powered agent to support users in navigating T4R materials. Partners are working together to define the values, functionalities, and overall vision for such a tool, making sure it delivers meaningful support to its future users.
Looking ahead
The meeting in Rennes was marked by positive energy and fresh ideas, and really turning these into action. As the project continues, we will continue to use this flexible and open format. We are looking forward to continuing this journey at the next meeting in Kortrijk.
Photo: Arnaud Loubry (Rennes Metropole)