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[UEH 50 Global Partners] Institute of Smart City and Management Connects International Academics in Italy: A Journey of Building a "Wise Town" Network and Global Living Lab
02 Jun, 2026
From May 8, 2026, to May 21, 2026, the Institute of Smart City and Management - UEH College of Technology and Design (UEH CTD) undertook a series of academic and international cooperation activities in Italy, aimed at advancing research and training orientations in the fields of smart cities, sustainable development, smart mobility, and the Living Lab model.
The ISCM delegation comprised: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Tu Anh - Director of ISCM, as Head of Delegation; Dr. Christopher Han - Director of Innovation Strategy, UEH; PhD Cand. Dr. Dang The Hien - Program Director of Architecture and Smart Urban Design (BAUD) Architect track, and Project Manager of smART Hub Living Lab; Dr. Pham Nguyen Hoai - Program Director of Smart Operations and Mobility Management (BMOM); and Mr. Nguyen Hoang Phuc - Student of the Master's Program in Smart and Creative Urban Management (MSCIM).
Academic connectivity in Southern Italy
During the trip, the ISCM delegation participated in the TNE NEW SEASON international project funded by the European Union, in collaboration with the University of Basilicata in the cities of Matera, Paestum, Ascea Marina, and the Cilento region.
One of the trip's most notable highlights was participation in a series of international workshops on the concept of the "Wise Town" – a smart urban model aiming for balance between technology, community, and local heritage. The workshops brought together scholars and experts from Italy, South Korea, China, and Vietnam to exchange perspectives on new approaches to sustainable urban development for small and medium-sized territories. At the workshop, ISCM-UEH representatives presented and exchanged professional views regarding the integration of smart technology, urban data, and Living Lab models to promote co-creation, enhance community participation, and develop flexible urban solutions suited to local contexts.
The delegation also participated in the signing ceremony for the "Wise Town Manifesto" – an international declaration shaping a future research and practice cooperation network on Wise Towns.
ISCM delegation visited the University of Basilicata
ISCM delegation participated in The Wise Town Manifesto workshop under the TNE NEW SEASON international project
ISCM delegation took a commemorative photo with Mr. Roberto Fico - former President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, term 2018-2022
Field surveys: From heritage to urban operations
In parallel with academic activities, the ISCM delegation conducted numerous field surveys in the Sassi di Matera heritage site, the Amalfi Coast, the Paestum archaeological park, and the heritage villages of Salerno, Ravello, and Sorrento. Through mapping activities, spatial surveys, and observation of actual urban operations, the delegation focused on researching historical urban spatial structures, transport accessibility, tourism infrastructure pressures, heritage conservation, and local community regeneration models. The data and experiences collected will contribute to research and teaching orientations at ISCM, particularly in the fields of Smart Mobility, Urban Heritage, and Community-based Innovation.
Sassi di Matera heritage site
Amalfi Coast road
Spiaggia Santa Teresa - a typical coastal public space in Salerno
Paestum archaeological park village
Expanding cooperation with Politecnico di Milano
As part of the working trip, ISCM representatives also held a working session with representatives of Politecnico di Milano (Polimi) – one of Europe's leading technical universities. The two sides exchanged views on potential research collaboration in the fields of urban planning and architecture, particularly regarding interactive tables to support community participation processes in international Living Lab projects.
Representative of Politecnico di Milano and representative of UEH performed the Flag Journey ceremony
This series of academic activities in Italy not only contributed to expanding the international cooperation network of ISCM-UEH but also laid the groundwork for future interdisciplinary research programs, academic exchanges, and co-creation. Through these strategic connections with universities and research networks in Europe, ISCM continues to affirm its role as a pioneering academic center of UEH in the fields of architecture and smart urban design, smart operations and mobility management, and community-embedded innovation.
Notably, the participation of a student from the MSCIM Master's program in this international working trip demonstrates UEH's orientation towards practice-based and internationalized training. Through field trips, international workshops, and direct work with academic partners in Europe, learners have the opportunity to access a global academic environment, observe real-world urban models, and work alongside experienced faculty and experts in the fields of smart cities, innovation, and sustainable development.
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News, Photos: Department of Communications and Partnerships, Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM) - UEH College of Technology and Design (CTD)
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