The meeting was an informal gathering in order to receive feedback on the IMAGINE think-tank initiative itself and on the memorandum draft. The memorandum draft was presented. It bases on the following points:

1. Energy and Territories: the purpose of the IMAGINE think-tank

1.1. Energy and Territories: a new way of thinking through the energy issue in cities

1.2. Foresight: what target-based challenges are to be met or 2020 versus 2050

(Part 1 introduces the baseline situation as well as the reason for the think-tank)

2. Quality of life in a low-energy city: the IMAGINE think-tank objective

2.1. Overcoming a sector-centric logic

2.2. The territory as a place for integration

2.3. Engaging stakeholders

2.4. Governance and quality of life

(Part 2 expounds the think-tank’s vision and expectations as well as its conception of the action to be carried out)

3. Influencing European regional policies affected by energy and climate issues

3.1. European policies virtually ignore the City.

3.2. Rethinking the City on the basis of “energy & climate” objectives

3.3. Reviewing current policies and preparing the future 2014-2020 budgetary period

(Part 3 highlights the think-tank’s field of activity)

4. A networking think-tank

4.1. Setting up a foresight multidisciplinary group

4.2. Publishing opinions/statements

4.3. Networking

(Part 4 defines the think-tank’s internal operating procedures)

A discussion round was opened in order to gather the reaction of the participants. The question of the consensus and the expression of position was raised. Is the think-tank supposed to work only on a consensus base or are minority position allowed? It was agreed that the think-tank, as a discussion platform does not necessarily has to find a consensus and should let free the expression of contrary opinions. Also, the importance of the concept of quality of life and the taking into consideration of social issues was underlined, as well as the necessity to think of policies financing through carbon finance. Focus was then put on the necessity of fair cities as a condition for sustainable cities. Access to environment friendly products and services is an important basis. Public tenders are a leverage point in order to build functioning local markets. The need to promote integrated approaches within the European territorial cohesion policies was pointed out. The discussion then went around the fact that innovations constantly evolve and that these innovations are not only technological but can also be found at the systemic level. The debate was then oriented toward the potential tensions between short term action and long-term vision. What about the ‘low hanging fruits’? For example, taken into perspective that the refurbishment cycle for building is 30 years, action has to be taken now. Though, the 2050 horizon should remain and can be seen as an intellectual experience. During the discussion on evaluation tool, it was then stated that the question of quantifying climate change including energy is still not answered and that quality of life has a energy compound but most statistical tools (GNP…) are not sustainable. Indeed, benefits are often not compatible with good quality of life. Reminding of the small part of European funds within public funding was made. Structural funds represent 0,2% of all public funding. According to this, EU funds should concentrate on maximising effects of national policies.

All in all, it seems that the participants are interested in the process. The memorandum will be adjusted/completed with the comments, though, the text will have to remain short. The discussion will go further during the IMAGINE seminar in Arc-et-Senans.