<p><strong>On 10 July 2012, the European Commission launched the Smart Cities and Communities European Innovation Partnership.</strong></p> <p>The partnership proposes to pool resources to support the demonstration of energy, transport and information and communication technologies (ICT) in urban areas. The energy, transport and ICT industries are invited to work together with cities to combine their technologies to address cities&%23039; needs. This will enable innovative, integrated and efficient technologies to roll out and enter the market more easily, while placing cities at the centre of innovation. </p> <p>The funding will be awarded through yearly calls for proposals: €365 million for 2013.</p>