The Fourth Transnational Meeting of the URBACT In4Green Network was held in Larissa, Greece. Partner cities visited the Joist Innovation Park, the Mill of Pappas, a historic flour mill transformed into a cultural hub, and exchanged ideas and knowledge.

 Joist Innovation Park: A Hub of Green Entrepreneurship

If Joist’s exterior is eye-catching, the interior is even more impressive. The entrance hall, towering nearly eight meters high, is dominated by an enormous steel beam—perhaps the inspiration behind the name ‘Joist’. The space is a fusion of an industrial warehouse and a Silicon Valley co-working hub. The original steel columns, beams, and riveted metal panels remain visible, yet instead of rust, they are painted in vivid shades of purple, yellow, and deep blue. The large, tiered seating area doubles as a conference hall and theatre, while glass partitions reveal offices, workshops, and meeting rooms designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Joist is one of 57 good practices identified among In4Green network partners. This privately funded initiative transformed an old industrial site into a thriving ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship—rooted in sustainability and circular economy principles. Every element of the space is designed to inspire, encourage, and make collaboration enjoyable.

The model has been so successful that Joist is now expanding beyond Greece. “There is strong interest from India, and we are in discussions to replicate the model in several cities with a local partner,” says Katerina Diminikou, Joist’s Event and Communication Manager, as she guides visitors through the space. A prime example of how a city in the In4Green network is not only contributing to Europe’s green transition but also exporting its expertise worldwide.

From Industrial Past to a Sustainable Future

The second day of the meeting took place at the Mill of Pappas, a historic flour mill transformed into a cultural hub. Here, participants explored how Larissa, historically known as Greece’s breadbasket, is leveraging its fertile lands and heritage to shape a sustainable future.

One of the key moments of the gathering was the peer review of the Integrated Action Plans. Over two hours, In4Green partners engaged in deep discussions, exchanging ideas and feedback on their action plan drafts in small working groups. The hands-on, interactive format ensured that cities could refine their approaches, learning from each other’s successes and challenges.

By the end of the second day, exhausted but inspired, the In4Green teams and stakeholders returned home, carrying new insights, strategies, and connections. The meeting in Larissa proved that green transition is not just about policies and infrastructure—it’s about people, creativity, and collaboration. And sometimes, it’s about mandalas too.

About the Fourth Transnational Meeting of the URBACT In4Green Network

On March 11-12, 2025, Larissa hosted the Fourth Transnational Meeting of the URBACT In4Green network, where partners continued their collaborative learning and peer exchange to co-produce their local green transition strategies. The event brought together around 40 participants from 10 European cities, including Lead Expert Jose Costero and URBACT Ad Hoc Expert Eileen Crowley.

The URBACT In4Green network is co-financed by the European Commission through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).