Smart in the City – The BABLE Podcast

BABLE Smart Cities
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Smart in the City – The BABLE Podcast

Hop on the journey toward a better urban life and hear from top actors in the Smart City arena about stakeholders and themes most prevalent for today's citizens and tomorrow's generations. At BABLE, through our platform and services, we enable processes from research and strategy development to co-creation and implementation. Visit us at www.bable-smartcities.eu

  1. #104 Aurora: Innovation with Purpose – Safety, Connectivity & Economic Growth

    11 HR. AGO

    #104 Aurora: Innovation with Purpose – Safety, Connectivity & Economic Growth

    In this episode recorded live at the Global Mobility Call 2024 in Madrid, Mayor Richard Irvin and Chief Information Officer Michael Pegues of Aurora, Illinois, share how the city is transforming into a model Smart City through innovation, technology, and visionary leadership. They discuss Aurora’s ambitious goals, including the "Internet for All" project, investments in smart infrastructure, and efforts to create a net-zero emissions transportation system. The conversation also explores key challenges in building a sustainable, inclusive city and how Aurora fosters public-private partnerships to drive economic growth and digital inclusion. Tune in to learn how Aurora is redefining urban development and positioning itself as one of the smartest cities in the U.S.   Overview of the episode: [00:02:14] Teaser Question: "If Aurora were an animal, which animal would it be and why?" [00:03:28] Guest Background – Mayor Richard Irvin and CIO Michael Pegues share their inspiring personal stories, from growing up together in Aurora to becoming key leaders driving the city's transformation. [00:10:35] Aurora’s Vision – Mayor Irvin introduces Aurora’s vision built on three pillars: Safety, Education, and Economy, and explains how they guide the city’s development. [00:16:52] Smart City Strategy – CIO Michael Pegues explains how technology underpins Aurora’s progress and how data-driven approaches improve governance and public services. [00:19:46] Key Initiative: Internet for All – Michael Pegues highlights Aurora’s ambitious broadband initiative aimed at ensuring digital inclusion and connecting all residents. [00:33:31] Equity and Inclusivity – The discussion shifts to how Aurora ensures technological advancements benefit all residents, with a focus on providing equitable access to digital resources. [00:46:55] Preparing for AI and Future Technologies – Aurora’s plans for launching an AI strategy in 2025 to enhance productivity, upskill the workforce, and improve public services are revealed. [00:50:18] Podcast Segment: Flip the Script – The guests ask each other insightful questions about Aurora’s future, including the potential of quantum computing and fostering interdisciplinary thinking in government. [00:54:37] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"   Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page.   And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub

    56 min
  2. #103 Smart Tourism: Innovations for Smarter Destinations at TIS 2024

    12/18/2024

    #103 Smart Tourism: Innovations for Smarter Destinations at TIS 2024

    In this special last episode of the year, we take you back to the Tourism Innovation Summit (TIS) 2024 in Sevilla, where we sat down with experts shaping the future of tourism and urban innovation. This on-the-ground episode dives into how smart technologies, data, and emerging trends are transforming urban tourism. Key guests include: Misa Labarile (European Commission) Daniel Martinez Junquera (General Manager, Visit Gijón) Virginia Borges (General Director for Tourism and Regional Promotion, La Rioja) Miguel Angel Martin Rodriguez (Innovation Manager, Smart City Cluster) Sergio Lopes (Advisor for Innovation and Technology and Smart Cities Project Manager, Famalicão) Nina Nesterova (Professor of Sustainable Tourism, Breda University) Together, they explore themes such as: Sustainability and Smart Tech: How cities like Valencia measure carbon footprints and shift tourist behavior. The Power of Data: From AI-driven analytics to gathering actionable insights for tourism management. AR, VR, and Smart Destinations: Balancing virtual innovation with authentic, human experiences. Funding Challenges: Public-private cooperation and addressing capacity gaps for smaller municipalities. Citizen Quality of Life: Creating harmony between tourists and local residents while preserving cultural heritage.   Overview of the episode: [00:01:09] Meet Our Guests [00:02:14] Sustainability & Smart Technologies: How innovation helps reduce the environmental impact of tourism, featuring examples from Valencia and Copenhagen. [00:08:46] The Role of Data in Tourism Management:Insights on gathering, analyzing, and applying data to improve tourism strategies and urban decision-making. [00:27:16] Emerging Technologies in Tourism: AR, VR, and their potential to enhance accessibility and visitor experiences while preserving authenticity. [00:32:36] Funding Models for Smart Tourism: Challenges and solutions for securing public-private investments and managing EU funding, especially for smaller municipalities. [00:41:07] Balancing Tourism and Local Quality of Life: Strategies to integrate tourism into cities while preserving local identity and resident well-being. [00:46:03] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?" Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page.   And for more insights, visit our

    55 min
  3. #102 Kyiv: Navigating Crisis with User-Centric Digital Solutions

    12/11/2024

    #102 Kyiv: Navigating Crisis with User-Centric Digital Solutions

    In this episode, we sit down with Oleg Polovynko, Adviser to the Mayor of Kyiv, Ukraine on Digitalisation, to explore the remarkable journey of Kyiv’s digital transformation. Oleg shares insights into the evolution of the award-winning Kyiv Digital App, which began as a tool for urban convenience but became a life-saving platform during the 2022 Russian invasion. We discuss the role of user-centric design, resilience in the face of crises, and lessons learned from integrating digital solutions in governance. Oleg also introduces MISTO.Tech, a platform designed to create safer, more connected cities globally, and reflects on the balance between local innovation and scaling solutions worldwide.    Overview of the episode: [00:01:54] Teaser Question: "If you had to describe Kyiv's journey with digital transformation in three emojis, which ones would you choose?"[00:03:40] Our guest's background: Oleg’s journey as an entrepreneur, CIO of Kyiv, and Adviser to the Mayor on Digitalisation[00:08:38] Advising Kyiv during transformative and challenging times: Key milestones in Kyiv’s digital journey[00:17:35] Lessons for other cities: Proactively implementing digital solutions before disasters strike[00:22:12] The MISTO.Tech project: Creating a platform for active, safe, and connected urban living and scaling it globally[00:30:01] Lessons on resilience: What Kyiv’s experiences during COVID and war have taught about flexibility and user-focused approaches [00:34:08] Podcast Segment: Top or Flop [00:37:40] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"   Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page.   And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub

    41 min
  4. #101 [Portuguese] Oeste: Uma Região Conectada e Sustentável

    12/05/2024

    #101 [Portuguese] Oeste: Uma Região Conectada e Sustentável

    No episódio gravado durante o Smart City Expo World Congress, Paulo Simões, Primeiro Secretário da Comunidade Intermunicipal do Oeste de Portugal (CIM Oeste), compartilha a visão ambiciosa da região Oeste para se tornar um território inteligente, sustentável e inclusivo. Paulo compartilha insights sobre iniciativas como a valorização do surf, o desenvolvimento do setor agroalimentar, a gestão de dados para políticas públicas, e estratégias para uma governança participativa e centrada nas pessoas. O episódio também destaca a importância da educação e do envolvimento comunitário na transformação digital e na transição verde da região.   Resumo do episódio: [00:00:06] Pergunta Teaser: "Se a região Oeste fosse um animal, qual seria e por quê?" [00:04:28] A trajetória do nosso convidado: a experiência de Paulo Simões em políticas públicas e gestão territorial [00:07:35] Introdução à CIM Oeste: objetivos e iniciativas principais na região [00:14:37] Uso de dados para políticas públicas: como as decisões informadas estão moldando o Oeste [00:24:02] Governança inteligente: colaboração com municípios e capacitação das equipas locais [00:30:30] Participação cidadã: estratégias para envolver as pessoas no desenho das políticas públicas [00:42:48] Segmento Inspire-nos: uma história emocionante de impacto pessoal no trabalho de Paulo [00:46:58] Pergunta Final: "Para você, o que é uma cidade inteligente?"   Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page.

    50 min
  5. #100 Curitiba: "People at the Centre" of the 2024 Intelligent Community of the Year

    12/03/2024

    #100 Curitiba: "People at the Centre" of the 2024 Intelligent Community of the Year

    In our 100th episode of Smart in the City - The BABLE Podcast, recorded live at the Smart City Expo World Congress 2024 in Barcelona, we welcome Dario Paixão, Secretary of Economic Innovation and Artificial Intelligence for Curitiba, Brazil. As the ICF 2024 Intelligent Community of the Year, Curitiba stands out as Brazil’s smartest city, combining sustainability, technology, and citizen-centric approaches. In this episode, Dario shares insights into the city’s innovative projects, including the Urban Hypervisor platform for integrated city management, transforming landfills into solar farms, and ambitious plans for climate change mitigation. We also discuss Curitiba’s challenges, such as river revitalisation and balancing urban innovation with inclusion.   Overview of the episode: [00:02:15] Teaser Question: "If you had to describe Curitiba in just three words, what would those words be?" [00:02:40] Our Guest's Background: Dario shares his journey from academia to becoming Secretary of Economic Innovation and Artificial Intelligence in Curitiba. [00:04:30] Curitiba’s Achievements: Discussion on Curitiba’s recognition as the ICF 2024 Intelligent Community of the Year and other previous achievements. [00:07:38] Innovative Projects: Exploration of the Urban Hypervisor platform, integrating data for city planning and sustainability. [00:09:14] Balancing Innovation and Privacy: How Curitiba addresses citizen concerns while advancing technological initiatives. [00:12:09] Sustainability and Green Initiatives: Transforming a landfill into a solar farm and planting 100,000 trees annually to mitigate climate change. [00:15:26] Major Challenges: Addressing river pollution and implementing urban green spaces for citizen engagement. [00:17:24] Podcast Segment - Top or Flop: Rapid-fire opinions on topics like AI-powered surveillance, autonomous public transport, and vertical farming. [00:19:33] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"   Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page.   And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub

    22 min
  6. #99 [Portuguese] Famalicão: Uma Cidade Inteligente, Conectada e Sustentável

    11/28/2024

    #99 [Portuguese] Famalicão: Uma Cidade Inteligente, Conectada e Sustentável

    No episódio gravado durante o Smart City Expo World Congress, Vítor Moreira, diretor-geral do município de Vila Nova de Famalicão, compartilha a visão estratégica e iniciativas da cidade no âmbito das Smart Cities. O episódio aborda temas como a participação dos cidadãos na revisão do master plan, o uso da tecnologia como meio para transformar processos de gestão, práticas sustentáveis integradas à realidade local, e os desafios culturais e estruturais para promover mudanças inovadoras. Vítor enfatiza o foco nas pessoas como elemento central de uma cidade inteligente e destaca como Famalicão equilibra inovação com responsabilidade social, económica e ambiental.   Resumo do episódio: [00:00:06] Pergunta Teaser: "Consegue descrever Famalicão como três emojis?" [00:01:54] Introdução do Convidado: Vítor Moreira compartilha sua trajetória profissional e seu papel na transformação digital e na construção de uma cidade inteligente em Famalicão. [00:05:08] Participação Cidadã: Discussão sobre como os cidadãos foram envolvidos na revisão do Master Plan da cidade por meio de ferramentas digitais e plataformas interativas. [00:08:31] Framework para Cidades Inteligentes: Abordagem de Famalicão para projetar um framework abrangente antes de adotar soluções tecnológicas. [00:12:52] Colaboração Interdepartamental: Estratégias para engajar diferentes departamentos municipais no processo de construção da cidade inteligente, focando em benefícios mútuos. [00:17:34] Sustentabilidade: Reflexão sobre como equilibrar sustentabilidade ambiental, social e econômica nas iniciativas de Famalicão. [00:22:42] Uso de Dados: Como o município utiliza dados para orientar decisões e melhorar a gestão urbana. [00:27:24] Desafios: Superando resistências culturais e demonstrando os benefícios da inovação para acelerar mudanças. [00:34:09] Segmento Inspire-nos: Destaque para os heróis anônimos que estão entrando no movimento das smart cities em Portugal. [00:36:24] Pergunta Final: "Para você, o que é uma cidade inteligente?"   Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page.

    39 min
  7. #98 Vienna: European Capital of Democracy – Sharing and Shaping the Future

    11/26/2024

    #98 Vienna: European Capital of Democracy – Sharing and Shaping the Future

    In this episode recorded live at the Smart City Expo World Congress 2024 in Barcelona, we sit down with Jürgen Czernohorszky, Executive City Councillor for Climate, Environment, Democracy, and Personnel for the City of Vienna, Austria. This episode highlights Vienna's new role as the European Capital of Democracy and the city is championing democratic innovation and sustainability. We explore Vienna's challenges and successes in addressing climate change, digitalisation, and inclusivity in its rapidly growing urban landscape.   Overview of the episode: [00:01:38] Teaser Question: "If Vienna were an animal, which animal would it be and why?" [00:03:01] Our guest's background: Jürgen Czernohorszky shares his journey to becoming Executive City Councillor [00:05:42] Vienna’s new role as the European Capital of Democracy [00:11:22] Participatory initiatives like the "Klima Teams" and their impact [00:17:50] How Vienna ensures inclusivity in democratic processes [00:22:09] Addressing challenges: Balancing inclusivity, innovation, and speed in decision-making [00:28:57] Open-floor reflections: Jürgen’s vision for the European Capitals of Democracy initiative [00:32:50] Trial and Error – Lessons learned from Vienna's participatory projects [00:38:43] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"   Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page.   And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub

    41 min
  8. #97 Rebuilding Urban Resilience: Architecture for Post-Disaster Recovery

    11/20/2024

    #97 Rebuilding Urban Resilience: Architecture for Post-Disaster Recovery

    In this episode, recorded at the Neext Future Summit 2024 in Berlin powered by Drees & Sommer, Ayten Paşayiğit from SP Architects shares her insights into the critical role architecture plays in rebuilding and strengthening communities after disasters. The discussion covers SP Architects' innovative approaches to designing sustainable, long-term solutions for post-disaster areas, balancing urgency with sensitivity to local cultural and social needs. Ayten highlights the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, the integration of new technologies, and the lessons learned from various projects, including responses to both natural and man-made disasters. This inspiring conversation explores how architecture can contribute to resilience, sustainability, and community well-being in the face of adversity.   Overview of the episode: [00:01:44] Teaser Question: "What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever visited for inspiration?" [00:02:13] Our guest's background: Ayten Paşayiğit shares her journey from industrial engineering to architecture and her work at SP Architects. [00:04:21] Overview of SP Architects' projects and geographical focus. [00:05:30] Challenges and principles in post-disaster projects, including urgency, sustainability, and human-centred design. [00:08:20] Case study: Rebuilding a school in a post-earthquake region in Türkiye. [00:12:15] Insights on man-made disasters and rebuilding efforts to restore community life. [00:20:19] Collaborative approaches with stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and communities. [00:25:47] Lessons learned: Addressing cultural, social, and environmental needs in rebuilding projects. [00:31:51] Inspire Us Segment: "The resilience of people in post-disaster areas inspires us to focus on humanity and community in our work." [00:34:17] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"     Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page.   And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub

    37 min
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Hop on the journey toward a better urban life and hear from top actors in the Smart City arena about stakeholders and themes most prevalent for today's citizens and tomorrow's generations. At BABLE, through our platform and services, we enable processes from research and strategy development to co-creation and implementation. Visit us at www.bable-smartcities.eu

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