SUNSET Doctoral Network

SUNSET is a European Doctoral Training Network which aims to develop innovative research and training capacity around city-university interactions driving the EU’s green and digital transition. SUNSET brings together prominent researchers working in diverse geographical and disciplinary settings at leading universities with partners from city governments (often participating in the Cities Mission to achieve climate neutrality), innovation companies, research institutes and civil society organizations to analyze and boost the performance of these urban innovation ecosystems. SUNSET is funded by Horizon Europe – MSCA under grant agreement ID 101119845. Through a tailored combination of network-wide training events and academic and non-academic secondments, the SUNSET Doctoral Network will train ten Doctoral Candidates to (1) investigate whether and how universities can successfully become key drivers of the twin transition in cities via their role as innovation partners, the implementation of campus living labs, and as architects of decision-making in urban ecosystems; and (2) to become future urban innovation ecosystem leaders in the pursuit of the twin green and digital transition. The involved beneficiary universities of SUNSET (N=6) are KU Leuven (coordinator), Utrecht University, Aalto University, University of Tartu, University of Helsinki and University of Stavanger. The involved Associated Partners of SUNSET (N=16) are Leuven2030, Leuven MindGate, City of Tartu, City of Stavanger, Nokia, Institute of Baltic Studies, University of Vaasa, Nordic Edge, Levuur, City of Helsinki, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Nationaal Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug, City of Utrecht, Mapita, City of Lahti, City of Espoo.