German
Two anchor locations - one goal: shaping digital participation in Jena
Two innovative anchor locations from Jena were recently presented as part of the regular exchange meetings of the "Anchor locations for digital change" thematic group of the Model Project Smart Cities (MPSC): the ProbierLaden and the JEDI (Jena Digital Innovation Hub). The digital event also offered a look back at the anchor location workshop at the MPSC congress in Munich.
Two locations - two target groups - one common aspiration
With the ProbierLaden and the JEDI, Jena is deliberately taking the path of two specialized anchor locations in order to promote the acquisition of digital skills in a target group-oriented manner. The decision to have two separate locations is based on a preliminary study in terms of Service design and specifically addresses the different needs of:
- Digital Beginners: people with little prior digital knowledge
- Digital Advanced: digitally savvy people with a specific interest in technology and innovation
The ProbierLaden offers low-threshold formats such as individual advice, open offers (e.g. PC café), information series and workshops on data protection or basic digital skills as well as further training for educational staff and associations.
The JEDI - Jena Digital Innovation Hub - on the other hand, acts as a collaboration and networking platform with a wide range of event formats - from hackathons to the Smart City specialist group to the AI regulars' table. It is also the office of the Jena Digital e. V. association and is open for activities by members and partner organizations.
The diverse offerings of these two locations, from smartphone courses to hackathons, are an important contribution to shaping an open, inclusive and sustainable digital urban society.
Review: "Anchor locations" workshop at the MPSC congress
At the MPSC Congress in Munich the five types of anchor locations from an ongoing study were presented, offering guidance for local development. Anchor locations can be designed as
- Places for information and participation
- Spaces for digital education
- Technology workshops and MakerSpaces
- Co-creative laboratories for transformation
- Platforms between business, science and society
With ProbierLaden and JEDI, Jena is somewhere between several of these types and shows how a combination of education, participation and innovation can succeed. The workshop also made it clear how important appreciative exchange formats and networks, as well as a low-threshold format such as a meal together, can be in order to strengthen volunteering and cooperation in the long term.
Learning together, shaping together: Exchange in the thematic group
As an active member of the thematic group "Anchor locations for digital change", the Smart City Project Jena regularly contributes its experiences to the nationwide exchange - and also benefits from the diverse perspectives of the other MPSC municipalities. This is because many municipalities in the funding program operate their own anchor locations, which - as different as they may be - face similar challenges. Accordingly, all members had a lively discussion at the last meeting of the thematic group about their experiences to date with the continuation of their anchor locations or the approaches they would like to use to continue operating the locations after the Smart City funding.
The continuous dialog in the thematic group creates space for mutual inspiration, joint learning and collective solution finding. Whether it is about spatial design, reaching target groups, continuity or innovative formats - sharing experiences strengthens everyone's development.
Outlook
The next steps now lie ahead for Jena: The strategic anchoring of both anchor locations as central implementation sites of the Smart City strategy is the declared goal. With the guiding principle "Smart City Jena - we are shaping the digital transformation for and with the people of the city." probierLaden and JEDI are leading the way - in their differences, but with a common goal: creating access, enabling participation and shaping change.
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