A Collaborative Milestone for Europe’s Water Innovation Community

On October 23-24, 2025, the first in-person PCP WISE Workshop brought together buyers, users, and experts from across Europe at Climate-KIC Headquarters in Amsterdam. This event marked a major milestone in fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and joint learning within the PCP WISE community – uniting stakeholders to advance the adoption of EO-based hydrological services.

Building Capacity and Shared Understanding

The workshop opened with a focus on capacity sharing – creating space for buyers and end users to exchange best practices, reflect on shared challenges, and explore pathways for the effective implementation of PCP WISE solutions. Through interactive “speed dating” sessions and group discussions, participants built connections that will help shape the future of EO-based water management solutions across Europe.

Learning Through Experience: EO-based Hydrological Services in Action

A central highlight was the hands-on training led by UT-Twente, introducing the real-world applications of Earth Observation (EO) data in monitoring land subsidence, floods, urban heat, drought, and fires. These sessions emphasized how EO technology can transform water resource management and support better-informed decision-making for public authorities and end users alike.

Identifying Barriers and Enabling Implementation

Under the guidance of Fraunhofer INT, participants worked collaboratively to identify potential barriers and enablers for implementing PCP WISE solutions. Through interactive group work, they explored non-technical challenges such as governance, procurement, and institutional readiness — and began co-creating pathways to overcome them.

A Platform for Sensemaking and Community Building

Beyond structured sessions, the workshop served as a sensemaking and networking hub, facilitated by Climate-KIC. Informal exchanges also strengthened personal connections and community spirit, fostering the collaborative energy essential for sustained innovation.

Key Takeaways

  • Networking and sensemaking: Climate-KIC provided a valuable platform for buyers and end users to connect, share experiences, and align on future needs for PCP WISE.

  • Implementation insight: Fraunhofer INT guided participants through assessing barriers and opportunities to ensure the long-term success of WISE solutions.

  • Practical learning: UT-Twente’s PCP Academy session demonstrated the tangible benefits of EO data for tackling real-world hydrological challenges.

As the PCP WISE community continues to grow, this workshop underscored the importance of collaboration, shared learning, and practical engagement in ensuring that innovative EO-based solutions truly serve those who need them most.