Local forums and online Transnational labs supporting the DANOVA NEXT app

Within Activity 2.5 – Evaluation and clustering actions for the dissemination of the DANOVA NEXT web application, the DANOVA NEXT project organised a series of Local Forums and Transnational Online Labs to support the exploitation of the app and raise awareness among policy makers and transport stakeholders across the Danube Region. The events took place throughout November and December.

These activities combined national-level events with transnational online exchange, enabling dialogue, feedback and cooperation on accessible transport solutions.

LOCAL FORUMS

Local Forums were organised in all participating countries, with a total of 11 forums held, targeting local and regional policy makers and key stakeholders.

Each forum included an overview of the DANOVA NEXT project and its results, followed by a live demonstration of the DANOVA NEXT application and its main features. The presentations were complemented by open discussions, during which participants shared feedback, asked questions and discussed the application’s potential.

Overall, the forums confirmed strong interest in the tool and broad agreement that the DANOVA NEXT application can play an important role in improving mobility and accessibility for persons with disabilities across the Danube Region.

TRANSNATIONAL PARTICIPATORY LABS

In addition, three Transnational Online Participatory Labs were organised at Danube Region level, targeting transport authorities and organisations.

The labs introduced the DANOVA NEXT project and its objectives, including the development of a Smart Transport Network and accessible Digital Travel Information Services (DTIS). The main focus was on the DANOVA NEXT application from the passenger perspective, presented as a single access point for multimodal accessibility information covering air, water and urban transport.

Participants were introduced to key functionalities such as accessibility filters for different disability groups, barrier-free route planning, multilingual content, and feedback tools. The benefits for transport authorities and operators were also highlighted, particularly the use of the application as a common platform for publishing harmonised accessibility data and supporting compliance with European accessibility requirements.

Each lab concluded with an open discussion on promotion, practical use and opportunities for further cooperation and uptake.

CONCLUSION

The Local Forums and Transnational Online Labs have demonstrated the relevance and potential of the DANOVA NEXT application as a shared accessibility tool. By engaging policy makers, transport authorities and stakeholders, these activities support wider adoption of the app and contribute to more inclusive transport systems across the Danube Region.