DANOVA NEXT Transnational Project Meeting held in Kotor

On May 29–30, 2025, project partners of the DANOVA NEXT gathered in the picturesque town of Kotor, Montenegro, to review progress and coordinate upcoming actions. The meeting began with greetings and registration, followed by presentations from Dubrovnik Airport on Work Package Management (WPM), focusing on coordination, monitoring, and financial reporting. Partners reviewed the current status of project implementation, including achieved milestones and activities still to be carried out. This initial session set the stage for a productive and insightful meeting.

Progress under WPT2: Creation a Smart Transport Network for PRM digital accessibility data

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to Work Package T2 (WPT2), which focuses on the development of a Smart Transport Network that supports digital accessibility for persons with reduced mobility (PRM). Dubrovnik Airport presented next steps for design and technical implementation aspects of the DANOVA NEXT application. SOIH followed with insights into the upcoming social media campaign and users video interviews. ANSR discussed the upcoming feedback that has to be gathered from application users, while WU Wien concluded this session with a presentation on evaluation and clustering actions to improve the effectiveness and scalability of the upcoming digital solutions that will soon be developed.

Progress under WPT3: Test of innovative services to increase the accessibility of transports in the Danube Region

The meeting continued with Work Package T3 (WPT3), where the University of Maribor introduced the conceptual framework for local pilot activities aimed at testing innovative services to improve transport accessibility. All transport partners then presented their local pilot implementations. Each presentation offered valuable insights into local challenges and customized approaches being used to address the transport needs of persons with disabilities in diverse contexts.

Coordination, communication and next steps

To close the first day, SOIH provided an update on the monitoring of communication activities under WPC, outlining achievements and areas for improvement. A concluding session allowed all partners to engage in Q&A and discuss upcoming tasks. The Steering Committee formally approved decisions from the day’s sessions. The day ended on a high note with a scenic boat tour to Perast and a social dinner hosted by Port of Kotor, offering partners a chance to relax and strengthen connections.

Day two: Focus on Terminology and the DANOVA NEXT App

The second day of the meeting began with a short registration period, followed by a collaborative session led by BSVO, ANSR, and SOIH focused on terminology. Ensuring consistency and clarity in language used throughout the project is essential for effective communication, especially given the diversity of partners and stakeholders involved. The final session of the meeting was dedicated to a detailed discussion on the DANOVA NEXT App, where Dubrovnik Airport led a walkthrough of key features. Participants shared suggestions, technical feedback, and proposals for further development to ensure the app remains user-centered and inclusive.

The next project meeting will take place in Bratislava, Slovakia. As the DANOVA NEXT partnership continues its journey, each encounter strengthens our shared commitment to creating more inclusive and accessible transport systems for everyone in the Danube Region.