STICHTING INSTITUTE FOR URBAN EXCELLENCE

Their core work

The Institute for Urban Excellence is a The Hague-based research centre focused on making cities healthier, more equitable, and climate-resilient. They work at the intersection of urban design, energy systems, and nature-based solutions — translating scientific research into practical interventions for city governments and communities. Their contributions span positive energy districts, environmental justice in urban areas, and ICT-driven tools for urban planning and citizen engagement.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

IUE's earliest H2020 work (2018) centred on smart city energy systems — positive energy districts, energy markets, and digital energy services through CityxChange. From 2020 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward nature-based solutions, climate adaptation, air quality, and environmental justice (VARCITIES and JUSTNature). The trajectory shows a clear move from technology-driven smart city work toward greener, more socially conscious urban interventions.

IUE is moving from energy-tech urbanism toward nature-based, equity-focused urban resilience — expect future work to combine green infrastructure with social inclusion goals.

How they like to work

IUE participates exclusively as a partner, never as coordinator, suggesting they contribute specialized urban expertise to larger consortia rather than leading project management. With 73 unique partners across 16 countries from just 3 projects, they operate in large Innovation Action consortia (all 3 projects are IAs). This makes them an accessible, experienced consortium member comfortable in big multi-country teams.

Despite only 3 projects, IUE has built a wide network of 73 partners across 16 countries — a direct result of participating in large Innovation Action consortia. Their base in The Hague positions them well within the Dutch and broader Northwestern European research ecosystem.

What sets them apart

IUE bridges urban energy systems and nature-based climate solutions — a combination few research centres cover under one roof. Based in The Hague, a city with strong international governance connections, they bring a policy-aware perspective to urban innovation projects. Their growing focus on environmental justice adds a social equity dimension that is increasingly required in EU Green Deal proposals.

Highlights from their portfolio

• CityxChange
  Largest project by funding (EUR 588K) and an ambitious positive energy district demonstrator across European cities — a flagship smart city initiative.
• JUSTNature
  Combines nature-based solutions with environmental justice, big data, and ICT — representing IUE's most thematically rich and forward-looking project.