A key moment for knowledge exchange and learning from policy experiences
On 5-7 October 2026, SPARK partners gathered in Bulgaria at the invitation of the Dobrich municipality for a Thematic Exchange and Transfer (TET) seminar, a Steering Committee meeting, and study visits. Over the course of several sessions, the partners discussed how small and medium-sized cities can move from mobility strategies to concrete, people-centered solutions.
What was discussed
The exchange focused on four key questions:
- How can mobility plans be turned into investments? Local sustainable urban mobility plans have shown that a clear strategy, aligned with integrated development plans, forms the basis for securing funding and achieving results.
- What role does technology play? The partners analyzed intelligent traffic systems, real-time passenger information, and digital tools for city management, as well as how these improve the safety, punctuality, and attractiveness of public transportation.
- How can smart mobility be funded on a limited budget? The discussion highlighted a step-by-step approach, which involves starting with small-scale projects, measuring results, and gradually scaling up-including models where new services help fund themselves.
- How can mobility support local development? The partners also explored how sustainable visitor mobility, smart solutions, and heritage protection can go hand in hand.
What was analyzed
The partners examined the presented best practices from the perspective of transferability:
- which elements work regardless of a city’s size
- what conditions (legal, financial, institutional) are necessary for adapting them
- how they can be integrated into the partners’ policy instruments
During the TET seminar, the advisory partner led a structured comparison of the partners’ challenges and approaches. The Steering Committee reviewed the project’s progress and next steps.
Key conclusions
- Planning first, then investment.
- Integrated solutions-combining eco-friendly vehicles, digital systems, and safe streets-deliver the best results.
- Small, well-measured steps can lead to sustainable change.
Relevance for Partners and next steps
The information gathered in Dobrich will help partners refine their mobility policies and prepare for the next phases of the project. SPARK continues to translate shared knowledge into concrete actions for urban mobility with the lowest possible emissions.