The EnCLOD project seeks to raise awareness and deepen the knowledge of policy makers, decision-makers and the general public across Central Europe about the transformative potential of Open Data (OD) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in enhancing territorial governance.
EnCLOD is implemented by a consortium of 10 partners, which includes local authorities, universities, technological SMEs and other organisations from five European countries: Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, and Hungary. The project focuses on pilot areas in Vicenza (IT), Olomouc (CZ), Debrecen (HU), Zilina (SVK), and Nova Gorica (SVN).
The EnCLOD project leverages two key technologies: Open Data, which refers to freely accessible data that can be used for various applications such as research, platform development, and service improvements; and the Internet of Things (IoT), a network of interconnected devices that exchange data via the internet. Together, these technologies hold enormous potential for improving governance and city-region planning by facilitating better decision-making and enhancing service delivery.
EnCLOD’s primary goal is to improve governance across the five countries mentioned above by integrating Open Data and IoT networks. This includes strengthening multi-level governance, engaging civil society, and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors to drive innovation and economic growth. However, while the private sector and civil society in Central Europe are advancing rapidly in digitalisation, many local authorities struggle to fully leverage these tools. The project addresses this gap by developing Action Plans tailored to each region, focusing on enhancing the use of OD and IoT for governance and planning. Five Pilot Actions will tackle specific challenges such as mobility, environmental sustainability, and climate change.
The project is led by the Province of Vicenza, with partners including ALDA+ (IT), IUAV Venice University (IT), the University of Ljubljana (SVN), DKV Debrecen Exclusive Public Transport Company (HU), CITIQ (CZ), Palacký University Olomouc (CZ), the Urban Municipality of Nova Gorica (SI), CityOne (CZ), and the University of Žilina (SK). Funded by the European Commission through the Interreg Central Europe Programme, with €1.9 million, 80% of which is financed by the European Regional Development Fund, EnCLOD runs from May 2024 to October 2026.
The EnCLOD initiative plays a crucial role in reinforcing governance structures by engaging civil society and fostering robust public-private collaboration. By equipping stakeholders with the necessary resources, the project aims to optimise the use of Open Data and IoT technologies, addressing current challenges and improving local governance and city planning.
Through its comprehensive approach, EnCLOD is set to make a lasting impact on the use of Open Data and IoT across Central Europe, improving governance, driving innovation, and supporting sustainable urban and regional development.