Studies Archives - thesmartcityjournal.com

Building research capacity to address the informal economy

Thanks to an exchange programme between European and Asian universities and organisations, researchers now have the skills to address the challenges presented by informal labour It is estimated that 2 billion people, or 61 % of the world’s employed population, work in the informal economy. While this type of work – which typically includes street…

informal economy, international cooperation, labour research, Marie Curie Actions, South-East Asia, workforce development

Redefining European research through collaborative innovation

Armed with learning labs, educational tools and innovation challenges, IP4OS is building a sustainable research ecosystem where knowledge flows seamlessly across disciplines and sectors, maximising the benefits for all The EU-funded IP4OS(opens in new window) project is transforming how research is utilised. Launched in 2025, the project’s core objective is to help professionals and organisations…

Building Europe’s research and innovation communities

Unite.WIDENING takes action to bridge research and innovation gaps in Poland and Portugal with training sessions and presentations The effects of cross-border research and innovation projects are not felt evenly across the EU. Some countries face obstacles such as less developed infrastructure, difficulties retaining skilled talent, and structural barriers at the regional or national level.…

From living buildings to multitasking home robots, here’s how science is reimagining 2026

Living buildings, quantum computers, safety by design, home robots and AI-assisted pandemic preparedness. Europe’s researchers are reshaping how we live, work and design our cities in 2026 As science continues to push boundaries, the coming years could surprise us with self‑healing cities, robots that care and smarter defences against future pandemics. Here are five outlooks…

artificial intelligence, home robotics, living architecture, Public Health, Quantum Computing, Sustainability

Technique makes complex 3D printed parts more reliable

New research enables computer designs to incorporate the limitations of 3D printers, to better control materials’ performance in aerospace, medical, and other applications People are increasingly turning to software to design complex material structures like airplane wings and medical implants. But as design models become more capable, our fabrication techniques haven’t kept up. Even 3D…

engineering, Manufacturing Innovation, Smart Manufacturing

Researchers uncover surprising limit on human imagination

Humans can track a handful of objects visually, but their imaginations can only handle one Human beings can juggle up to 10 balls at once. But how many can they move through the air with their imaginations? The answer, published last month in Nature Communications, astonished even the researchers pursuing the question. The cognitive psychologists…

Brain Health, Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Science

Las Rozas will showcase its innovation and technological development projects at the Smart City Expo World Congress 2026