Hackathons are collaborative and intensive events, usually lasting one or more days, during which people with different backgrounds — developers, students, researchers, communication experts, public administrators, and engaged citizens — come together to work on a concrete challenge.
The term comes from the combination of “hack” (meaning to find creative solutions) and “marathon” (a long and focused session of work and ideas). The goal is to develop, in a short time, innovative proposals, digital prototypes, practical tools, or strategies to address common issues.
These events represent a unique opportunity to stimulate creativity, collaboration, and innovation, bringing together people with diverse experiences and perspectives.
In a European context such as that of the ENCLOD project, hackathons become true open innovation laboratories, where participants can experiment with the use of Open Data to develop solutions that improve territorial governance and encourage citizen participation in public decision-making.
Through digital tools, data analysis, and direct discussion, hackathons promote a more transparent, efficient, and sustainable management of cities and regions across Central Europe.
In October, the first ENCLOD Hackathon took place in Nova Gorica, bringing together participants from various partner countries.
The EPC team, which supports the Province of Vicenza in coordinating the project, took part in the launch phase of the initiative, structured around several key moments: an inspiring introduction by keynote speakers, the pitch of the participants’ ideas, and the selection of the best ones, on which the teams worked to design possible innovative solutions based on environmental data provided by the local administration.
EPC’s participation in this first event represented an important opportunity for learning and sharing, serving as a “tutorial” and practical example for the organization of the upcoming Hackathon to be held in Vicenza next spring, as part of the pilot action activities of the ENCLOD project.
Stay tuned: more information about the next Hackathon will be in the next months!
