In this episode, we sit down with former Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees and Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson. In 2016, Marvin became the first directly elected mayor of black African heritage in a major European city. Joanne became the UK's first black female city mayor in 2021. They discuss the barriers they faced, their approach to inclusive urban governance, and how they worked to transform their cities while championing diversity and equality.

Overview of the episode:

[00:00:06] Introduction of the episode and guests

[00:01:30] Our guests' backgrounds: Marvin Rees and Joanne Anderson share their personal stories and what led them to become mayors

[00:06:14] Overcoming challenges as minority leaders in politics

[00:19:01] The importance of representation and policy in leadership

[00:23:40] The concept of "backlash" after holding leadership roles and how it affects future representation

[00:31:45] Barriers to securing seats in Parliament and the future of minority representation in UK politics

[00:42:38] Addressing "culture wars" and the role of leadership in bridging societal divides

[00:52:58] Key messages for city leaders and urban practitioners

[00:57:06] Freaky Friday Segment: Guests switch roles and answer in each other’s shoes

[01:02:49] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"

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In dieser Folge von ‚Smart im Ländle‘, unserer Podcast-Tour durch Baden-Württemberg, sind Daniel Meyer, der CDO von Ludwigshafen, und Tanja Weißmann, die Leiterin der Stadtbibliothek Ludwigshafen, zu Gast. Daniel Meyer spricht über die digitale Transformation der Stadt, die Smart-City-Strategie und die Herausforderungen in der Verwaltung, besonders im Bereich der Digitalisierung und internen Vernetzung. Tanja Weißmann berichtet von der Umgestaltung der Stadtbibliothek, ihrer Funktion als „dritter Ort“ und der Integration von digitalen Angeboten wie einem Makerspace und dem innovativen Open Library Konzept.

Beide diskutieren, wie diese Projekte Ludwigshafen in eine moderne, lebenswerte Stadt verwandeln.

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In this episode, we are joined by Victoria Itskovych, Chief Information Officer of the City of Kyiv in Ukraine, to discuss how Kyiv is leveraging digital tools to maintain vital public services and ensure the safety of its residents amidst the ongoing war.

Our guest shares the challenges her city has faced, from missile attacks to infrastructure blackouts, and how the Kyiv Digital app became a lifeline for citizens. We explore topics such as resilience, the integration of mental health and education into digital platforms, and how Kyiv's experience can provide valuable lessons for cities worldwide.

Overview of the episode:

[00:02:00] Teaser Question: "If you had to describe Kyiv’s journey with digital transformation in three emojis, what would it be?"

[00:03:15] Our guest's background: Victoria Itskovych shares her professional journey and how she became Chief Information Officer of Kyiv City.

[00:04:45] Kyiv's response to the war: How Kyiv Digital has been crucial in maintaining safety and continuity during the ongoing war.

[00:09:09] Adapting the Kyiv Digital app: How the app was transformed to offer life-saving tools and services amidst the crisis.

[00:12:55] Challenges with digital infrastructure: Addressing Wi-Fi outages and adapting other digital infrastructure to ensure resilience.

[00:17:52] Education and mental health initiatives: How Kyiv integrates these areas into their digital framework to strengthen overall city resilience.

[00:23:38] Call to action: How external stakeholders can support Kyiv’s digital transformation and resilience efforts.

[00:28:42] Trial and Error Segment: Victoria shares the challenges and mistakes made during the digital transformation, and what lessons were learned.

[00:30:39] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"

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In dieser Folge von ‚Smart im Ländle‘, unserer Podcast-Tour durch Baden-Württemberg, spricht Andrea Schwarz, Baubürgermeisterin von Ludwigsburg, über die smarten Entwicklungsstrategien der Stadt. Themen sind unter anderem die Herausforderungen durch den Fachkräftemangel und finanzielle Einschränkungen, die Klimaanpassungsstrategie der Stadt mit der sogenannten „Klimakarte“, die Fernwärmeplanung und der Wohnungsbau. Andrea Schwarz erläutert auch Ludwigsburgs Ziel der Klimaneutralität bis 2035 sowie die innovative Nutzung von Modulbauweisen und digitale Prozesse in der Stadtverwaltung.

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In this episode, we are joined by Liz St. Louis, Director of Smart Cities and Enabling Services at the Sunderland City Council. Liz shares Sunderland’s ambitious journey toward becoming a Smart City, discussing the innovative “four-layer” approach that laid the foundation for city-wide connectivity and digital transformation. From pioneering autonomous vehicle projects to addressing the digital divide with free Wi-Fi and digital literacy initiatives, Liz reveals the critical role of partnerships, data-driven city management, and long-term planning in Sunderland's success.

Overview of the episode:

[00:00:06] Teaser Question: "Outside of its practical applications, what's the most fun or whimsical use of technology you've seen in Sunderland?"

[00:03:42] Our guest's background

[00:04:49] Sunderland's systematic approach to smart city development

[00:07:16] The role of partnerships in Sunderland's 20-year smart city journey

[00:09:48] Addressing the digital divide and ensuring digital inclusion

[00:13:27] Impact of free Wi-Fi and public trust in digital infrastructure

[00:17:18] Innovative use of autonomous vehicles in logistics for Nissan

[00:22:59] Challenges in scaling smart city pilots and securing funding

[00:26:27] Environmental monitoring and data-driven city management

[00:31:33] Roll with the Punches Segment

[00:33:51] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"

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In dieser Folge von ‚Smart im Ländle‘, unserer Podcast-Tour durch Baden-Württemberg, sprechen Sabine Meigel, Abteilungsleiterin für die Digitale Agenda der Stadt Ulm, und Damian Wagner-Herold, Smart City Experte, über die Digitalisierung in Ulm. Sie diskutieren die Entwicklung und Umsetzung der Smart City Strategie, die Bedeutung von Bürgerbeteiligung sowie die Herausforderungen bei der Einführung neuer Technologien wie LoRaWAN. Zudem sprechen sie über den Innovationsmotor der Stadt und wie Start-ups und Wirtschaft in die Stadtentwicklung eingebunden werden, um Ulm als lebenswerte und wirtschaftlich wettbewerbsfähige Stadt zu positionieren.

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In this episode, Councillor Dan Boyle, the newly appointed Lord Mayor of Cork, Ireland, discusses the city's dual challenge of growing as a major urban centre while striving for sustainability.

Key topics include Cork's flood management strategies, expanding public transport, retrofitting housing for energy efficiency, and creating more green spaces. Councillor Boyle also shares insights on overcoming resident scepticism toward sustainable initiatives and the importance of long-term planning to ensure Cork’s resilience and greener future.

[00:01:37] Teaser Question: "If you could have any superpower to help you in your role as Lord Mayor, what would it be and why?"

[00:02:28] Our guest's background: Councillor Dan Boyle shares his journey in public service and becoming Cork's first Green Party Lord Mayor.

[00:02:28] Main Challenges for Cork: Discussion on Cork's dual challenge of sustainability and urban growth, including climate neutrality goals and population expansion.

[00:05:43] Sustainability Initiatives: Specific environmental projects, including city centre pedestrianisation, cycling infrastructure, and flood management.

[00:10:44] Public Transport and Infrastructure: Expanding Cork's public transport network and future developments like suburban rail and light rail.

[00:13:53] Housing and Retrofitting: Efforts to retrofit Cork's housing stock to meet energy efficiency standards and support climate goals.

[00:16:10] Flood Management: The city’s flood prevention strategies, controversies, and natural flood management efforts.

[00:19:10] Resident Scepticism: Addressing scepticism towards sustainable initiatives and traditional approaches to city planning.

[00:22:01] Advice for Other Cities: Recommendations for local authorities on making courageous, long-term decisions for the future.

[00:24:07] Flip the Script Segment

[00:27:55] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"

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In dieser Folge von ‚Smart im Ländle‘, unserer Podcast-Tour durch Baden-Württemberg, sind Isabell Steidel, Gemeinderätin und stellvertretende Fraktionsvorsitzende, sowie Andreas Ringle, Bau- und Umweltbürgermeister von Heilbronn, zu Gast. Gemeinsam diskutieren sie die Entwicklung Heilbronns zu einer modernen und zukunftsorientierten Stadt.

Themen wie nachhaltige Stadtplanung, die Begrünung der Innenstadt, innovative Technologien wie Künstliche Intelligenz und das City Dashboard, sowie die Bewerbung Heilbronns für den European Green Capital Award stehen im Fokus. Zudem wird über den neuen KI-Campus und die Vision einer klimaneutralen Stadt bis 2035 gesprochen.

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In this episode, Christian Gangl, Deputy Mayor of Sindelfingen, Germany and President of the Eurotowns network, shares insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of medium-sized cities across Europe.

He explores how the Eurotowns Network fosters collaboration between cities, enabling them to innovate and tackle pressing issues like sustainable development, green mobility, and digital transformation. He also highlights successful projects and partnerships within Eurotowns, including efforts to amplify the voices of medium-sized cities on the European stage and secure more inclusive funding opportunities.

Discover how cities like Sindelfingen navigate these challenges while maintaining their cultural identity and building a sustainable future.

Overview of the episode:

[00:01:14] Teaser Question: "If Sindelfingen were an animal, which animal would it be?"

[00:02:28] Eurotowns: "Which animal would represent the Eurotowns network?"

[00:04:04] Our guest's background: Christian Gangl's journey in public administration

[00:05:59] Introduction to the Eurotowns Network: Supporting medium-sized cities

[00:07:24] Biggest challenges for medium-sized cities

[00:09:27] "Big enough to cope, small enough to care" – Opportunities for medium-sized cities

[00:10:55] Successful collaborations within Eurotowns: Examples of projects

[00:12:34] Future collaboration opportunities for Eurotowns

[00:14:48] Success in EU urban advocacy for medium-sized cities

[00:16:41] Medium-sized cities’ strength in agility and community engagement

[00:18:55] What could accelerate progress for medium-sized cities?

[00:20:35] Future goals and priorities for Eurotowns

[00:22:42] Key projects in Sindelfingen: Inner city development and Mercedes transformation

[00:26:30] Balancing cooperation with Mercedes and green transformation

[00:28:06] What Sindelfingen needs to accelerate change

[00:30:53] Shoutout Segment: Recognising active cities in the Eurotowns Network

[00:33:08] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"

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In dieser Folge von ‚Smart im Ländle‘, unserer Podcast-Tour durch Baden-Württemberg, diskutieren Thomas Bönig, Leiter des Amts für Digitalisierung, IT und Organisation sowie CIO und CDO der Stadt Stuttgart, und Sandra Baumholz, Leiterin der Stabsstelle strategische Planung, digitale Transformation und Innovation, die Fortschritte und Herausforderungen der digitalen Transformation in Stuttgart.

Themen sind unter anderem die Digitalisierungsstrategie "Digital Moves", die Entwicklung eines KI-Hubs, das Social Intranet für Mitarbeitende der Stadtverwaltung sowie die Bedeutung von Zusammenarbeit und einer offenen Fehlerkultur innerhalb der Stadt. Sie geben Einblicke in innovative Projekte und deren Umsetzung.

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