Espoo has been named a finalist for the prestigious World Smart City Awards, competing alongside Shenzhen, China, and Santiago de Cali, Colombia, in the main category. This recognition highlights Espoo’s Impact Management Program, which uses data-driven strategies to enhance urban sustainability and efficiency. The winner will be announced at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona on November 6, 2024.
The World Smart City Awards spotlight innovative strategies to make cities more livable, sustainable, and economically viable. Espoo’s data-centric approach to impact management, developed in collaboration with VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, has helped the city create a “roadmap” for actionable improvements, according to Mayor Jukka Mäkelä.
Impact-Driven Development Gains Global Recognition
Espoo’s program, launched in 2019, leverages data and analytics to address complex urban challenges, a need brought into focus during the pandemic. The city introduced its first community-wide impact map, which has since guided its strategic initiatives.
“This program is a testament to the extensive, innovative work done across the city to advance data-driven leadership,” said Piia Wollsten, Espoo’s Director of Digital Services Development.
As part of the initiative, Espoo has rolled out targeted pilot projects and launched a third round of training in impact assessment for municipal staff, emphasizing systems thinking to tackle complex social issues. Led by VTT’s Senior Researcher Peter Ylén, this training enables participants to deepen their knowledge of managing societal challenges through data insights.
Espoo’s Pioneering Role in Smart City Development
As the only Nordic city in the final round, Espoo’s achievement reflects its leadership in exploring new models and tools for urban management. “Being the sole Nordic representative shows real trailblazing spirit,” noted Development Manager Anni Orttenvuori-Ganter, emphasizing the dedication of various pilot teams within Espoo’s municipal units.
The Smart City Expo World Congress has been held in Barcelona since 2011, serving as a global platform for cities to share innovations aimed at creating a better urban future through social advancements and partnerships.
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Quelle/Source: Helsinki Times, 26.10.2024
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