G2G - Innovation-Axis Graz - Gleisdorf

The forecasted development of both the population (490.000 inhabitants by 2050) and resulting growth of the local economy poses enormous challenges to key urban resource systems ranging from waste management to mobility, affordable housing and energy. These developments will not only grow the density of the Innercity, but put the spotlight the development zones near Graz and regional Centers around this provincial capital. In many ways the growing S-Bahn net that connects Graz with surrounding villages and cities harbours an immense future potential for sustainable development and innovation, provided that key stakeholders engage this potential jointly and pro-actively. Objectives and potential for innovation The goal of the project is the development of testbeds and demonstration areas within already designated areas for urban development along the Graz-Gleisdorf Innovation-Axis. The project intends to develop an innovation and technology portfolio with a focus on energy, integrated building technology, smarter city-spaces, compact settlement structures, generational living, and ‘cities of short distances’. It will pay specific attention to intermodal mobility as well as ICT-based solutions. The intent of the project is to feed the results of this portfolio into larger scaled developments in the region within a 4 year timeframe (2016-2020). The innovation axis Graz-Gleisdorf should make a substantial contribution to the development of resilient urban agglomerations with high resource and energy efficiency, stronger use of renewable energy, all leading to a higher quality of life. By taking the S-Bahn net as our unit of intervention, we will be able, for the first time, to create innovative housing and, more broadly, urban development concepts across and beyond political boundaries and geographical jurisdictions.