Knowledge transfer and co-design for advanced digital skills in water management. The project Horizon WATERLINE

In the era of climate change, water affordability poses a growing threat to sustainable development and environmental safety, impacting both ecosystems and urban areas. While melting ice raises sea levels, cities face drinking water scarcity, fragile infrastructure, and a lack of awareness among policymakers. To tackle these challenges in Europe, the Horizon research project WATERLINE was initiated, aiming to transform water education through Extended Reality (XR) emulative centers. The project is structured into six work packages, supporting the creation of a Digital Water HEI alliance, developing curriculum components, and fostering a European network of academics. The UniRC research group has made contributions using a quadruple helix methodology for knowledge transfer and competence building. They have participated in workshops, tested digital tools, and organized a co-design workshop on sustainable water management. Their expertise in life-cycle sustainability assessment will contribute to building local networks, raising awareness, and integrating these issues into education.