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The principal objective of the project is to create an interactive telematic value added network, called MUNICIPIA, based on the Internet World Wide Web in a multilingual and user-friendly context to foster improved dialogue and exchange of experiences between European, National and Local authorities and others local key actors on issues related to solving urban and regional problems through the use of telematic applications. The project has established the necessary connections to the World-Wide-Web and its associated Internet services (file transfer, multimedia e-mail and information searching) and is stimulating in particular the use of these Internet applications among key European urban and regional planning actors. An important second main objective is the identification of the conditions for successful exploitation of Internet services in such regions, through a programme of evaluation centered on the experiences and opinions of the "Urban and Regional Networks" involving local authorities and other key actors, already connected with the partners of the project. The project is engaging at least 5-10 cities and/or regions in each of the 3 countries involved: Italy, Spain and Austria. Although the vast majority of pages published on the Web are in English - which may now be considered the official ICT language - MUNICIPIA has a multilingual interface. This means that the user can read information in their own language as well as MUNICIPIA's basic texts, such as headings, menu items, instructions. Languages available are English, German, Italian and Spanish. Navigating in web pages focuses directly on issues. The contents of the web-site include:
- The CASE STUDIES archive is a collection of the most innovative experiences and initiatives undertaken by urban decision makers. Latest initiatives are highlighted and linked to related information. Each experience is described in a standard format and can be accessed from the databank using an advanced key word search system. An advantage of the Web is that after having consulted the text of a specific experience, it is possible to access more detailed information or directly contact project leaders.
- The NEWS page is a bulletin board containing information gathered by means of an interactive form, including news items, events and forthcoming appointments.
- The LIBRARY contains four columns: BIBLIOGRAPHY (a list of books and related links regarding urban matters) DOCUMENTS, RESEARCHES and NEWSLETTERS.
- The LINKS page gathers a collection of links leading to web sites of local actors' interests, commented in relation to their contents.
- IN BRIEF is a space in which local actors can directly publish, information relating to ongoing initiatives and projects promoted at the local level, by using the interactive form available on line.
- The FORUM consists of a series of telematic conferences dealing with topics relating to urban government, local policies and technological innovation. Everybody can contribute to the network discussion by putting out a written message. There are permanent forums, forums on current issues and Internet discussion lists for issues of interest to MUNICIPIA.
- MUNICIPIA CITIES/LOCAL ACTORS pages contain specific information on cities/local actors participating in the MUNICIPIA project based on the material put out by the cities themselves, by using interactive forms. Users can access pages describing local situations, with statistical information on socio-economic aspects, descriptions of local attractions and ongoing policies, multimedia pages on local businesses and on-line services concerning related economic activities.
MUNICIPIA users can automatically make use of all Internet services, including e-mail, which is playing a growing role in human communications and which urban decision makers are using to develop new relations and synergies. |
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