The responses from all three training types have been positive. In general, the participants were satisfied with the training format and the content of the presentations. The information the participants received was useful and the general opinion is that they will be able to use this knowledge in practice.  The trainers were well prepared on the topic and transferred the knowledge satisfactory.

Suggestions for improvement

Based on the obtained feedback, a set of suggestions for improvement was prepared:

• For future trainings shorter feedback forms

The pilot training series of CSSC Lab Capacity building programme was among others organized to obtain feedback from training participants in order to improve the training materials and training formats. For that reason, more extensive feedback forms have been prepared to obtain the needed information. For future trainings it is recommended to use shorter feedback forms to measure the general satisfaction of training participants. Therefore, organizers of future trainings can use parts of the feedback forms (only a number of selected questions) or prepare complete new ones. It was recognized that the feedback forms are most efficient if they are 1 page maximum with multiple choice questions that take only a couple of minutes from the participants to fill.

• More examples from practice/ Exchange of best practices from other countries

Examples of good practices are a good tool for visualization to get the idea of the presented topics. Therefore, it is recommended to include as many examples of good practices as possible in the presentation materials, in our case especially from the countries of the Danube region.

The general opinion of participants related to the training content is positive. However, it can be improved in terms of focusing more on real technical examples (demo centers + good practices + other relevant projects) which can be used as a basis for strong arguments towards decarbonization.

The participants were interested to get more insights into “energy planning” and alignment of their intentions with spatial planning procedures – especially for large scale projects (solar thermal, PV systems, battery storage). This is an important aspect that should be considered when adjustments and improvements of training contents and materials are made.

• More practical knowledge

If the trainings include calculations, the participants are more interested in the content if those calculations are made based on real examples. Some participants expressed the wish to see analyses made based on projects already implemented in these fields.

• Face to face format for advanced trainings

Further trainings require greater preparation of the trainers, a higher level of knowledge and more attention to possible specific questions related to concrete local situations and projects. It is recommended that, if possible, further trainings to be carried out in person.

• Energy experts involved in city coaching discussions

Representatives of municipalities expect the City Coaching to be more in the direction of advising sessions, which means focusing on concrete cases and specific local situations. For that reason, the trainers are expected to be experts in their field, who know how to advise in concrete situations with the aim of accelerating the introduction of CSSC technologies at the local level.

• Interaction in the discussion part and dedicating enough time for questions and answers

Predefined questions or online pools make the training more interactive and can lead to a greater involvement of participants into discussions. During the trainings a lot of questions can be expected and therefore dedicating enough time for questions and answers is a crucial part of the training sessions.

• More trainings on RES, EE and CSSC

Training participants in general expressed the need and wish for more of such trainings that are focusing on renewable sources, energy efficiency and City storage and Sector coupling.