The digitalization of local administration is not merely a technological step, but a deeply democratic endeavor: it brings institutions back in sync with the daily lives of citizens and businesses.
Timișoara began a systemic digital transformation five years ago—an effort unique within Romania’s public administration. The local authorities rethought administrative processes, built an integrated digital architecture, and launched Romania’s first public portal that enables a fully digital relationship with city hall.
Recently, Timișoara received national recognition for introducing artificial intelligence into the process of delivering urban planning information to citizens and businesses.
The visit will include a hands-on presentation of the digital platform, discussions with the team that led the transformation, and concrete examples of best practices in institutional reform.
Duration: 09:30 – 11:00 am
Location/Meeting-point: Cinema Studio
Urban regeneration is one of Timișoara’s strategic priorities – a city committed to transforming public space as a driver of development and social cohesion. In recent years, the local administration has launched major projects focused on the redesign of historic neighborhoods, the reconversion of former industrial areas, and the modernization of urban infrastructure – all with a strong emphasis on green mobility, sustainability, and quality of life.
Fabric District is one of Timișoara’s three historic neighborhoods – Once a vibrant economic and cultural hub, today it finds itself in a state of decline. However, the area is about to undergo an ambitious urban regeneration process, aimed at restoring its vitality and transforming it into the city’s second urban center.
The regeneration project of Traian Square and the surrounding area covers 6 hectares, with the following key objectives:
A central element of this transformation is the Fabric Synagogue, a landmark monument that has been under the administration of the City Hall for the past two years.
With the support of the World Monuments Fund in New York, the past year has seen a comprehensive participatory process to define a new functional concept for the building. At the same time, emergency stabilization works have been carried out to stop the monument’s physical degradation.
During the tour, we will visit the Fabric Synagogue and parts of the Traian area, and present the ongoing revitalization process of this historic neighborhood.
Afterwards we will visit IULIUS TOWN – one of the biggest urban regeneration projects in Romania.
Duration: 11:00 – 14:30 am
Location/Meeting-point: Cinema Studio
This thematic tour will explore how Timișoara has become a dynamic hub for smart and sustainable economic development. Participants will visit several key companies and industrial platforms, including CTParks, Continental, and Draxlmaier, which represent successful examples of long-term investment, innovation, and strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors.
These site visits will showcase best practices in areas such as green industrial development, high-tech manufacturing, workforce development, and sustainable infrastructure. The tour will also highlight how international and local companies are contributing to the region’s economic resilience and its positioning as an attractive destination for smart investments.
Through direct dialogue with company representatives and local stakeholders, participants will gain insight into the business climate of Timișoara and the city’s integrated approach to economic growth.
Duration: 08:30 – 15:00 am
Location/Meeting-point: Cinema Studio
From European Capital of Culture to Vibrant Urban Destination
We invite you to join us for a walking tour of Timișoara, exploring the route between Union Square (Piața Unirii), the historic old town, and Maria Square (Piața Maria) – the symbolic place where the Romanian Anti-Communist Revolution began.
Along the way, we will discover some of the city’s most important architectural, historical, and cultural landmarks, and uncover stories from both the past and the present.
Key themes of the tour include:
Duration: 11:00 – 14:30 am
Location/Meeting-point: Cinema Studio