The second edition of the EU-funded International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme has entered an intensive implementation phase in 2026, strengthening city-to-city and region-to-region cooperation between the EU and non-EU partners. Cooperation is organised through Communities of Practice (CoPs) —thematic platforms coordinated by leading EU regions or cities— that bring together public authorities, industry, researchers, and universities. Each CoP will prepare a concrete Action Plan by the end of March, followed by advanced cooperation missions and stakeholder events to support implementation.
Several CoPs directly address innovation and industrial transformation, with strong engagement from Japanese prefectures and cities. The CoP on Industrial Transformation with AI, coordinated by Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, includes Aichi Prefecture and Hiroshima Prefecture working with EU partners on AI-driven industrial adaptation, skills development, and human-centric digital transformation.

In the CoP on Agriculture and Innovation, coordinated by Catalonia, Kyoto Prefecture collaborates with EU regions on smart farming, digitalisation, researcher-mobility initiatives, and diversified agrifood value chains, including traceability and innovative investment models.
The CoP on Hydrogen Market & Industry, led by Île-de-France, brings together Osaka Prefecture with partners from Europe, Korea, and Oceania to support hydrogen market creation and the joint preparation of proposals under EU Horizon research funding.

At the city level, Nagoya City participates in the CoP on Economy in Cities – Start-ups, Innovation Ecosystems and Branding, coordinated by Grenoble-Alpes Métropole, focusing on urban industrial modernisation, deep-tech start-ups, and global tech-event connectivity. Osaka City engages in the CoP on Data-driven City & Digital Governance, coordinated by Barcelona Metropolitan Area, addressing data sharing, City OS, and public–private data governance. Kitakyushu City contributes to Mobility and Future Modalities, coordinated by Turin, advancing next-generation mobility, CCAM, robotics, and low-carbon transport.

In response to climate challenges, Kawasaki City and Kyoto City participate in the CoP on Climate Adaptation, coordinated by Valencia Region.
Together, these CoPs illustrate the growing depth and diversity of EU–Japan cooperation in innovation-led urban and regional transformation.

Source: IURC