Driving Urban Transitions: New Call for 2026 on Sustainable Urban Transition within a European Partnership
Driving Urban Transitions: New Call for 2026 on Sustainable Urban Transition within a European Partnership supports teams researching circular urban economies to help cities become sustainable and resilient.
Funder: Formas
Due Dates: November 17, 2026 (Pre-proposal) | April 15, 2027 (Invited full proposal)
Funding Amounts: Swedish participation: up to €300,000, or €400,000 with a Swedish project manager; projects up to 36 months
Summary: Supports transnational research and innovation helping cities transition towards sustainable, climate-neutral and resilient societies.
Key Information: Consortia need at least three funded partners from three participating countries and an urban government authority.
Description
Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) supports transnational research and innovation addressing urban challenges through three pathways: Circular Urban Economies, Positive Energy Districts and the 15-minute City. The partnership is co-funded by the European Commission through Horizon Europe. Formas and the Swedish Energy Agency support Swedish participation in international projects that help cities move towards more sustainable economies and societies.
Formas funds Circular Urban Economies, focusing on circular resource flows, regenerative urban planning, urban greenery and equal access to spaces and resources. Its topics cover adaptive reuse of existing structures and spaces, innovative maintenance of green and blue spaces, and rethinking urban production. Projects should integrate diversity perspectives and users’ needs. The call encourages interdisciplinary approaches and engagement with businesses, public organisations and civil society, spanning strategic research, applied research and practical innovation.
