Valladolid's Sandbox: A Pioneer in Spain
Valladolid, Demonstrator City (Valladolid, Ciudad Demostradora), is, in Spain, a pioneering sandbox —a controlled testing environment that collaborates with the public and private sectors for applied innovation and research. The City Council provides urban spaces, municipal services, and assets to companies, start-ups, researchers, and various entities, allowing them to implement specific innovative projects on the ground and in a real-world setting.
This is a pioneering proposal in our country, as highlighted by the Guide to Controlled Testing Environments published in July by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities.
Innovation for Businesses and Citizens
"Municipal goods and services" can be used "as a testing ground for business innovation projects," with the aim of improving the efficiency of municipal public services and enhancing the quality of life for citizens. The sectors addressed include mobility, energy efficiency, the environment, culture, tourism, education, energy transition, logistics, and goods delivery, among others.
Innovative Projects?
What is meant by 'innovative projects'? These are projects that have completed an initial development phase in the company or laboratory and need to test the practical functionality of services or products in public facilities, or through the managers or individuals who access municipal public services.
Flexible and Free Service
A simple, open, and flexible service is offered managed through the Valladolid Agency for Innovation and Economic Development, Ideva. A technical committee from the City Council will assess the technical, economic, and financial viability of the projects as well as their impact, being put to test, without the need to pay a public space usage fee, for a limited period of time and under strict supervision by the regulator.
In the event of success, it may be possible to establish an agreement between the public and private entities, with the City Council participating in a certain percentage of the project's profits.
Innovation for the "Climate Mission"
Valladolid's Sandbox is directly linked to the action plan of the city's Climate Agreement, which is the roadmap for the European Mission 100 Smart and Climate-Neutral Cities by 2030. Therefore, advanced technologies for the decarbonization of a city striving for zero emissions can be tested.
As a Demonstrator City, Valladolid will drive the development of the local economy and digital transformation across all productive sectors, reinforcing a new sustainable and intelligent economic model in line with Valladolid's Innovation and Smart City Plan (SmartVA!).
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