ISCM – UEH Strengthens International Academic Connections in Italy: Building the “Wise Town” Network and Global Living Labs
From May 8 to May 21, 2026, the UEH-ISCM delegation, including Associate Professor Dr. Trinh Tu Anh – Director of the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), Dr. Christopher Han – UEH Director of Innovation Strategy, Dr. Dang The Hien – Program Director of the Bachelor of Architecture and Urban Design (BAUD) and smART Hub Living Lab Project Manager, Dr. Pham Nguyen Hoai – Program Director of the Bachelor of Smart Operations and Mobility Management (BMOM), and Mr. Nguyen Hoang Phuc – student of the Master of Smart and Innovative City Management (MSCIM) program, participated in a series of academic and international collaboration activities in Italy. The mission aimed to advance research and education initiatives in smart cities, sustainable development, smart mobility, and Living Lab models.
Academic Networking Journey in Southern Italy
During the mission, the ISCM delegation joined the international project TNE NEW SEASON, funded by the European Union, in collaboration with the University of Basilicata across the cities of Matera, Paestum, Ascea Marina, and the Cilento region. One of the highlights of the trip was participation in a series of international workshops on the concept of “Wise Town” — an urban model that seeks to balance technology, community, and local heritage. The workshops gathered scholars and experts from Italy, South Korea, China, and Vietnam to discuss new approaches to sustainable urban development for small and medium-sized territories. At the workshops, representatives from ISCM – UEH presented and exchanged expertise on integrating smart technologies, urban data, and Living Lab models to promote co-creation, strengthen community engagement, and develop flexible urban solutions tailored to local contexts. The delegation also participated in the signing ceremony of the “Wise Town Manifesto,” an international declaration shaping future networks for collaborative research and practice on Wise Town initiatives.
UEH-ISCM delegation visits the University of Basilicata.
UEH-ISCM delegation participates in The Wise Town Manifesto workshop under the international project TNE NEW SEASON.
UEH-ISCM delegation takes commemorative photos with Mr. Roberto Fico – Former President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies (2018–2022).
Field Research: From Heritage to Urban Operations
Alongside academic activities, the ISCM delegation conducted field surveys at several notable locations, including the Sassi di Matera heritage site, the Amalfi Coast, the Paestum Archaeological Park, and heritage villages in Salerno, Ravello, and Sorrento.
Through mapping activities, spatial surveys, and observations of real urban operations, the delegation focused on studying historical urban spatial structures, transportation accessibility, tourism infrastructure pressures, heritage conservation, and local community regeneration models. The collected data and experiences will contribute to ISCM’s future research and teaching directions, particularly in smart mobility, urban heritage, and community-driven innovation.
Sassi di Matera heritage site.
The Amalfi Coast scenic route.
Spiaggia Santa Teresa – a representative coastal public space in Salerno.
Paestum Archaeological Park village.
Expanding Collaboration with Politecnico di Milano
As part of the mission, representatives from ISCM – UEH also held a working session with representatives of Politecnico di Milano (Polimi), one of Europe’s leading technical universities.
Both sides discussed potential research collaborations in urban planning and architecture, particularly focusing on “interactive table” technologies that support community participation in international Living Lab projects.
The Flag Journey ceremony marks the beginning of the academic partnership between UEH and Politecnico di Milano.
The academic activities in Italy not only expanded ISCM – UEH’s international collaboration network but also laid the foundation for future interdisciplinary research programs, academic exchanges, and co-creation initiatives. Through strategic partnerships with universities and research networks across Europe, ISCM continues to affirm its role as a pioneering academic hub of UEH in the fields of smart architecture and urban design, smart operations and mobility management, as well as community-based innovation.
Notably, the participation of a student from the Master of Smart and Innovative City Management (MSCIM) program in this international mission reflects ISCM – UEH’s practice-oriented and internationalized educational approach. Through field surveys, international workshops, and direct engagement with academic partners in Europe, students gain opportunities to access a global academic environment, observe real-world urban models, and collaborate closely with experienced lecturers and experts in smart cities, innovation, and sustainable development.
News and photos: Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM)