International highlights

What distinguishes international pioneers from local municipalities? And most importantly: What has truly proven effective in practice?

In numerous expert interviews, international stakeholders report on their experiences. They discuss successes, attempts, and setbacks, current needs, strategic directions, and political frameworks. These conversations show: The paths to a Smart City are as diverse as the cities themselves.

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Cascais – “Smart city is not an end in itself”

The former fishing village of Cascais on the Portuguese Riviera shows that technical innovation and climate protection can go hand in hand. João Dinis, ­Climate Action Director for Cascais ­Ambiente, explains why a smart city must above all be ­affordable and ­citizen-friendly.

Tallinn – “It’s about ­creating a livable city”

Tallinn is considered a pioneer in digital administration. Jaanus Vahesalu, Head of Enterprise Centre at Tallinn ­Strategic Management Office, explains how the city involves its citizens and why data protection is also the biggest hurdle in Estonia.

Amsterdam – “Smart cities are not purely technological”

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s pioneers in the smart city sector. In an interview, Cornelia Dinca and Tom van Arman emphasize that the greatest progress has been achieved not so much through technology as through cooperation, citizen participation and practical experiments.

Barcelona – “For us, smart city means ­collective ­intelligence”

Barcelona sees smart city not as a ­technical project, but as a dialogue. ­Innovation should help to tackle climate change and the housing crisis, explains Michael ­Donaldson, Chief Innovation Officer, City Hall Barcelona.

MobilityMindz – “Smart ­cities thrive on ­diversity”

Maria Vola is the founder of Mobility Mindz and, as co-editor of the study, has spoken to numerous cities. She looks back on her personal project highlights, reports on the impressions she gained during the interviews, and ventures a glimpse into the future.

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