Participation in the workshop on water governance and digitalization in Valencia

On February 25 and 26, 2026, the workshop “Water Governance and Digitalization – Climate, Societal and Political Challenges in the European Context” took place at the University of Valencia. The event was the central activity of a project funded by the FORTHEM Alliance and brought together researchers and experts from several European countries.

The workshop aimed to bring together researchers and experts from different European countries and disciplines. The focus was on political, technical, and societal challenges of water management in the context of climate change. Another focus was on the role of digitalization. Within this thematic framework, R2K-Klim+ was presented as a practical example of how digital approaches in water management can contribute to the analysis of climate risks and support municipal planning processes.

In addition to the specialist presentations, the organizing team structured the workshop around interactive formats. In a so-called World Café, participants discussed identified challenges from different perspectives. Working groups specified possible collaborations, for example in the form of joint research questions, pilot projects, or publications. Another item on the agenda was dedicated to identifying suitable funding formats for future initiatives.

The workshop was organized by the University of Valencia and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. The FORTHEM Alliance funded the underlying project. For FiW e. V., the event offered an opportunity to place current work in a European context and to deepen existing contacts. The professional exchange on digital instruments, governance issues, and climate adaptation strategies provides starting points for future cooperation in research and transfer.