The project “(C)ombinatorial (O)ptimization for (V)ersatile Applications to (E)merging u(R)ban Problems” (COVER) is funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Staff Exchanges (MSCA-SE) program. COVER brings together experts from academia and industry to exchange and expand expertise on interdisciplinary approaches in urbanization-related issues and smart cities.
It proposes a collaborative effort to harness the power of combinatorial optimization methods and operations research. Focusing on graph theoretical problems such as graph coloring and domination, as well as broader optimization techniques like integer programming, our interdisciplinary team seeks to address urban problems across European and Third-Country partners.
By integrating expertise from academia, local communities, and industry, we aim to develop tailored solutions that enhance quality of life while promoting sustainable development principles. COVER’s objectives include identifying local urban challenges, creating theoretical models for optimization, and implementing innovative solutions.
Through workshops, trainings, and collaborative research, we will engage stakeholders to define and prioritize urban problems, laying the groundwork for practical applications of combinatorial optimization techniques.
Key initiatives include exploring the “15-minute city” concept to improve accessibility and mobility, proposing optimization models for post-disaster management, optimizing the placement of semi-mobile clinics for healthcare accessibility, and developing solutions for public transport networks.
The project’s innovative program encompasses various activities, including problem definition, theoretical modeling, empirical research, and knowledge exchange. Through a structured work plan, we aim to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among project partners, thereby creating sustainable solutions with long-term impacts on urban communities.