The institute operates as a centre of excellence for cities. It is the premier knowledge institute for urban issues, with a focus on reinforcing the economic and social strength of cities. Nicis Institute responds to the demand that exists among those who operate in the urban landscape. Cities, organisations and the media can take advantage of the institute’s expertise. For cities the institute doubles as a cooperation partner that looks ahead, conducts research, evaluates, trains, advises, supports and unites. Nicis Institute has four units and concentrates on six important themes.

Some of our products:
Website, 2075 studies and 1850 practical examples
Conferences, knowledge workshops and master classes
48-hour service, for a wide array of questions
Publications, including a scientific journal called City journal
Research & Practice Reviews, six different thematic newsletters sent out by email Trend studies, looking ahead to expected developments in urban issues

Nicis Institute runs the secretariat of the European Urban Knowledge Network (EUKN). This project has established itself as an authoritative European urban network with substantial support in fifteen European Union member states. The network acts as a linking pin between existing networks of policy-makers, decision-makers and people in the field. The most important partners at European level are DG Regions, the URBACT programme, DG Research and DG Environment.

Cooperation also exists with the UK Academy for Sustainable Communities. Creating successful cities – sustainable communities – is essential to the Academy for Sustainable Communities (ASC), Nicis Institute and the European Urban Knowledge Network (EUKN). The three organisations recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This partnership aims to promote the development of skills and capacity building for urban professionals as a European priority. A two-day training course for professionals, a European study into skills and the creation of a network on skills and capacity building will be some of the first concrete results.

Nicis Institute is participating in a European project that is preparing and carrying out the research agenda for urban sustainability (URBAN-NET). For more information visit www.urban-net.org An important project that is currently being set up and that builds upon the expertise in knowledge management and networking gained by Nicis Institute in the European Urban Knowledge Network is the Knowledge and Research Network in Africa and Asia. In this project, initiated by Nicis Institute and WOTRO – Science for Global Development, and supported by UN Habitat, local partners in five developing countries are assisted in setting up an infrastructure to systematically share knowledge and experience needed to reach the Millennium Development Goals within urban areas. The focus is on the issues of poverty and hunger, a sustainable environment, health and global relationships.