HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-TALENTS-01-01
(European Research Area – ERA Chair)

Advancing Data-Based Policy-Making in Urban and Regional Development and Wide-Scale Implementation for Sustainable Environments

Project duration: 01 January 2025 – 31 December 2029

Project coordinator: Faculty of Economics, University of Niš (FEUN)

ERA Chair holder: Prof. Aura Reggiani

Project Description

The UR-WISE project aims to achieve long-term scientific excellence, institutional recognition, and intensive integration of the Faculty of Economics, University of Niš into the European Research Area (ERA). The project is implemented through the ERA Chair mechanism, with the objective of strengthening research capacities, fostering structural reforms, and enhancing competitiveness in attracting international research funding.

The core focus of the project is the establishment of a sustainable and internationally recognised research group in the field of data-driven policy analytics for resilient and sustainable urban and regional development. The project contributes to bridging science, public policy, and the business sector through the application of advanced analytical methods, spatial analysis, and data-driven approaches.

These objectives will be achieved through:

• Establishing an excellent research group led by the ERA Chair, while promoting international mobility and “brain circulation” mechanisms;
• Implementing structural reforms at the Faculty of Economics to enhance its institutional framework, including participation in international networks and the development of strategic partnerships;
• Strengthening research excellence through training programmes, mentorship, and collaboration with leading European and global institutions;
• Enhancing organisational capacities through the development of research infrastructure, the establishment of a research institute, and integration with technological and innovation ecosystems;
• Conducting research aimed at supporting public policy-making at local, national, and international levels, using multidisciplinary approaches (spatial analysis, citizen engagement, and multi-criteria and composite methodologies).

Vision and Objectives

UR-WISE aims to contribute to the development of a society in which data-driven research enables informed, inclusive, and sustainable decision-making in urban and regional development.

The key objectives of the project are:

• Establishing a research centre in the field of policy analytics
• Attracting top international researchers and fostering mobility
• Implementing institutional reforms to strengthen research capacities
• Advancing interdisciplinary research in urban and regional development
• Bridging academia, policymakers, and the business sector

Expected Contribution and Impact

UR-WISE contributes to strengthening the role of the Faculty as a regional leader in urban and regional analytics through:

• Establishing a leading research centre in Southeast Europe
• Strengthening international collaboration and integration into ERA networks (ERSA, RSAI, NECTAR, IGU)
• Increasing participation in European and international research projects
• Developing practical tools for decision-makers (e.g. Best City reports, analytical platforms)
• Strengthening the capacities of early-career researchers through training, mobility, and project involvement

The project represents an important step toward transforming the Faculty into a modern, internationally connected, and socially relevant research institution, actively contributing to policy-making processes in Serbia and the wider region.

Read more: UR-WISE Project (urwise.net)