Cross-border cooperation helps cities turn sharing ideas into real-world solutions.
Co-learning what makes sharing stations successful
As lead partner of the Digital Kiosks project, the City of Saint-Quentin recently travelled to Tournai, Belgium, to exchange experiences and learn from the work of IPALLE Intercommunale de gestion de l'environnement and Les Biens en Commun. The two Belgian partners deployed their multipurpose sharing station one year ago and have since gathered a wealth of practical insights into what makes such systems work in real-life settings.
The visit provided Saint-Quentin with the opportunity to see the sharing station in action—observing how residents borrow and return items, how maintenance is organised, and how digital tools support the process. These exchanges are an essential part of the project’s collaborative approach, helping cities learn directly from one another rather than starting from scratch.
Key Takeaways for Successful Sharing
Discussions during the visit revealed several important lessons about what makes a sharing station successful over time. A solid back-office system is essential, including a user-friendly app that makes borrowing easy, a clear after-sales or support process, and transparent communication with users. These elements build confidence and reliability—two factors that are crucial for long-term participation.
The partners also highlighted the importance of testing different locations to identify where a station is most likely to be used and appreciated. Accessibility, visibility, and community habits all influence success. Finally, citizen awarenessemerged as a central factor: when people understand the purpose and benefits of sharing systems, they are more likely to use them and take care of the items they borrow.
Preparing France’s First Multipurpose Sharing Stations
Armed with this new knowledge, Saint-Quentin is now preparing to become the first local authority in France to launch multipurpose sharing stations for its residents. Drawing inspiration from the Belgian model, the city aims to adapt the approach to local needs while maintaining the same focus on inclusion, usability, and sustainability.
By exchanging lessons through this European network, project partners are collectively building a replicable model that other cities can follow. Together, they are testing, refining, and documenting every step of the process to support the wider rollout of access-based services across the North Sea region. This spirit of collaboration lies at the heart of the Digital Kiosks project, ensuring that innovation is shared, practical, and ready to benefit communities far beyond the pilot cities.