In an era where data fuels decision-making and innovation, cities across Central Europe are navigating their way through the complexities of Open Data (OD) and the use of sensing networks of Internet of Things (IoT) for an advanced territorial governance. The EnCLOD project brings together five diverse territories in Central Europe— the Province of Vicenza, and the cities of Debrecen, Olomouc, Nova Gorica, and Žilina—each at a different stage of its Open Data journey. Some have made impressive strides, while others are only beginning to tap into the potential of OD. This report paints a vivid picture of their progress, challenges, and the road ahead.
The Province of Vicenza (Italy)
Nestled in the Veneto region, the Province of Vicenza has a well-established legal framework supporting Open Data, yet its implementation remains patchy. The territory has a rich history of European projects driving OD initiatives, particularly in mobility, environment, and tourism. However, the data landscape is still fragmented—a mix of static datasets, occasional IoT applications, and underutilised tools. The regional Open Data Veneto portal holds a wealth of information, yet it struggles to reach the citizens and businesses who could benefit most. The Province of Vicenza has laid the groundwork and is now moving forward to bring Open Data to life through innovative digital services. As part of the EnCLOD project, the province will focus on improving their road maintenance and safety by implementing a frost prediction digital service.
Debrecen (Hungary)
Hungary has followed the EU’s Open Data rules, but Debrecen has yet to fully take part. Even though it has a major university and strong industries, there are no big Open Data projects in the city. Unlike other European cities, Debrecen doesn’t have a dedicated Open Data platform, regular hackathons, or much public involvement. So far, its only step into Open Data has been through Climathon, a global event focused on climate challenges. However, this also means Debrecen has a fresh start—it has the chance to build a strong Open Data strategy from the ground up. With the right training and support, it could go from being behind to becoming a leader. In Debrecen, the project promotes the use of open data in public transport planning, addressing the rapid industrial growth and the expected population increase of up to 50,000 new residents. The goal is to ensure efficient public transport services and support sustainable mobility.
Olomouc (Czech Republic)
If there’s a city leading the charge in Open Data, it’s Olomouc. With government backing, a dedicated regional strategy, and an Open Data portal, Olomouc has positioned itself as a model city in the EnCLOD project. Palacký University actively supports Open Data adoption through research initiatives and hackathons. The city’s focus on urban planning, smart mobility, and sustainability showcases the power of Open Data when properly managed. Yet, even Olomouc faces hurdles—bringing citizens and businesses into the fold remains a challenge. The project has developed a strategy for open IoT data on climate and traffic, and the city is now progressing towards creating a digital twin, with over 500 sensors set to cover the urban area within two years. By implementing these initiatives, the city can bridge the existing gap and establish itself as a benchmark for cities across Europe.
Nova Gorica (Slovenia)
Slovenia’s national OD strategy is strong on paper, but Nova Gorica is still finding its voice. While the government provides clear guidelines and frameworks, local implementation is slower. The city’s Open Data initiatives are scattered, relying on national platforms like data.gov.si rather than fostering local innovation. IoT data is nearly absent, save for a few niche projects, such as road speed monitoring. However, the city’s commitment to green mobility and sustainability, particularly through its Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan linked to the EU Culture City 2025, provides a strong foundation for future progress. With a push for more dynamic and real-time Open Data, Nova Gorica could move beyond being a silent achiever and become an active player in the Open Data movement.
Žilina (Slovakia)
Slovakia has a well-defined national OD policy, but Žilina is still grappling with implementation. While some transport and environmental data are accessible through the city’s Smart Žilina portal, much remains hidden behind bureaucratic walls. The city is home to several hackathons, yet the data produced rarely makes its way into everyday applications. Although Žilina’s approach to Open Data remains largely reactive rather than proactive, the city’s collaboration with UNIZA and initiatives like the Urban Lab (see clevernet.sk) are helping it navigate the use of IoT open data. Through the EnCLOD project, Žilina is now developing its first digital service to support traffic safety preventists in their work. By leveraging its connections with technical universities and European projects, Žilina has the potential to break through its own barriers and create a truly open, data-driven ecosystem.
Despite the differences between these five places, common challenges emerge:
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Limited Real-Time Data: Most Open Data is static, updated infrequently, and lacks IoT integration. Barcelona’s Sentilo platform, with its network of 15,000+ sensors, serves as an inspiration for what could be achieved.
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Low Public Engagement: Even where Open Data is available, citizens and businesses are often unaware of how to use it. A shift from government-centric data publishing to community-driven Open Data ecosystems is needed.
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Fragmented Governance: While some cities have strong national policies, local-level coordination is weak. A more structured regional and municipal Open Data governance could unlock greater benefits.
Looking Forward: Building the Future of Open Data
The EnCLOD project doesn’t just map the present; it shapes the future. Based on the analysis, here’s what’s next:
Developing Action Plans: Every territory has outlined a holistic Open Data strategy, ensuring it fits into the Green Deal and smart city frameworks.
Encouraging Cross-Border Collaboration: Territories should share tools, applications, and best practices, creating an ecosystem of knowledge exchange.
Boosting IoT Data Integration: The project is exploring how to expand real-time Open Data collection, using sensor networks and smart technologies.
Empowering Local Communities: Workshops, hackathons, and training will play a crucial role in bridging the knowledge gap between governments, businesses, and citizens.
Conclusion: A Data-Driven Tomorrow
The journey toward Open Data maturity is not a straight path—it comes with challenges and opportunities, but all cities are moving forward. Each is exploring new ways to use Open Data, building on its strengths, and finding the right approach to make information more accessible and useful.
Through EnCLOD, these Pilot territories are not just adopting Open Data—they are shaping how it will support governance, drive innovation, and improve everyday life across Central Europe. The question is no longer “Why Open Data?”, but “How far can we take it?”
Discover the full analysis on Open Data in these five Pilot territories by reading the Report “EnCLOD territories Open Data maturity level and gaps analysis”, click here!