The event opened with a workshop and study visit, held at the Municipality of Žilina, featuring welcome speeches by Žilina’s Mayor, Peter Fiabáne, and Prof. Radovan Madleňák, Director of the University Science Park at the University of Žilina (UNIZA). The workshop focused on innovative applications of open data, with particular emphasis on the CleverNET Urban Living Lab. Presented by Karol Hrudkay (UNIZA) and Vojtěch Giesl (CITIQ), the CleverNET project is transforming urban management in Žilina by using a sensor network to monitor traffic, climate data, and public spaces. The living lab, which operates through a sophisticated set of sensors, offers a replicable model for other cities looking to enhance data-driven governance. The afternoon session featured presentations on the five Pilot Actions being implemented across the partner regions. Each partner provided an update on their progress, highlighting both successes and challenges:
– Province of Vicenza: the pilot action in Vicenza has focused on analysing road accidents over the past decade, cross-referencing this data with meteorological conditions and road surface status. The team is narrowing its focus to identify specific patterns, with recommendations to set data collection intervals at five minutes in mountainous areas. The use of a LoRa network was proposed as a better solution for remote regions compared to 4G.
– City of Debrecen: Debrecen is currently conducting site visits to identify suitable locations for sensor deployment, with installations expected to begin in October 2024. The pilot action is moving towards its next phase, with a focus on collecting real-time data to improve local transport systems.
– City of Olomouc: As one of the most advanced pilots, Olomouc has launched a dedicated website (olomouc.digital) to share data and engage local citizens and stakeholders. Their experience in collecting and utilising open data has positioned Olomouc as a model for other partners. They have also developed over 40 student theses using this data, further demonstrating the practical benefits of open data in educational contexts.
– City of Nova Gorica: Nova Gorica is in the process of selecting the most suitable building to install air quality sensors and preparing procurement processes to acquire the necessary equipment. Their focus remains on using sensor data to monitor environmental conditions and improve urban planning.
– City of Žilina: Žilina has conducted a survey on road safety, gathering 343 citizen responses and additional input from experts. The municipality has approved the installation of 42 sensors, scheduled for early October. These sensors will provide valuable data for monitoring road safety, traffic flow, and urban mobility, further strengthening the city’s data-driven approach.
The second day of the meeting centered on two critical work packages: WP1, focusing on open data benchmarking and maturity analysis, and WP3, related to training activities and local engagement. Tomaz Bercic (University of Ljubljana) presented the outcomes of Activity 1.1, International Benchmarking – Good Practices Collection and Analysis. Despite some gaps in the data from certain case studies, the benchmarking effort is providing a solid foundation for identifying best practices that can be adapted across the partner regions. David Bárta (CityOne) and Luca Lodatti (Province of Vicenza) presented the results of the Open Data Maturity and Gaps Analysis in the pilot areas. This analysis has revealed varying levels of open data readiness, but all pilot areas have submitted their initial data. The next steps include mapping how open data is used in different local authorities, particularly in areas related to transport, mobility, and environmental monitoring. This framework will guide the development of localised EnCLOD Action Plans. In WP3, Karol Hrudkay (UNIZA) outlined guidelines for implementing local training activities on open data. These trainings will target technicians, local authorities, and key stakeholders involved in the pilot actions, ensuring that the benefits of open data are widely understood and integrated into local governance practices.
The meeting concluded with a Steering Committee session, where partners reviewed the upcoming deadlines and discussed future project activities. A key date on the horizon is the online partner meeting scheduled for November 26, 2024. Additionally, the next Transnational Partner Meeting is tentatively set for early April 2025, with the aim of continuing to build on the progress made during the Žilina meeting.
The EnCLOD project continues to make strides toward enhancing local governance through open data, with the Žilina meeting serving as a pivotal moment for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. By focusing on real-world applications of data, such as the CleverNET Urban Living Lab, and advancing the pilot actions in various regions, the project is well on its way to achieving its goals of smarter, more sustainable local governance across Europe.