Water Smart Connect

Innovating Connected Water Ecosystems

WSC is committed to creating more connected, inclusive, and efficient water innovation ecosystems. The project aims to support the growth of companies and encourage innovation to address critical water challenges. By identifying Water Priorities and gaps, WSC collaborates with partners on R&I projects that offer future funding opportunities. Through these efforts, WSC advances the future of water technology.

The purpose of the project will be to set in motion a process whereby a Water-Smart Society can be realised through recognising the true value of water, and utilising water as an enabler to address cross-sectoral challenges. The Water-Smart Society aims to manage all available water sources in such a way that water scarcity and pollution of water resources are avoided, water and resource loops are closed, the water system is resilient against the impact of climate change and involves all relevant stakeholders in its governance. The project will mobilise a group of actors targeting related technical, market or industrial areas and identifying the potential to significantly transform existing industries, value chains and ecosystems.

The project will focus on:

• Identifying Transformative Activities through prioritisation of key water-smart innovation areas.
• Developing Cross Regional Actions by creating key actions to drive a water-smart society.
• Setting-up the long-term joint actions plan by bringing together the cross-regional actions and driving matchmaking activities in preparation for implementation.

Results

Water Smart Connect has identified four key focus areas to support a more sustainable and resilient water sector:

• Water and Food – precision irrigation and reduction of chemicals in agriculture
• Climate Adaptation – addressing drought, flooding, and water quality
• Pollution and Prevention – tackling PFAS, pesticides, and other micropollutants
• Cross-regional Collaboration – joint solutions across borders and sectors

The main insights and recommendations are presented in a series of infographics, offering a clear overview of technologies, challenges, and opportunities.

Download infographics: Shaping a water-smart future