In this episode, we're joined by Paola Ravenna, Director of European Policies and Projects for the City of Venice, and Andy Fuchs, General Manager of the Toyota Mobility Foundation - Europe. The discussion centres on Venice's participation in the Sustainable Cities Challenge led by the Toyota Mobility Foundation.

Our guests explore the city's efforts to reduce car dependency and promote sustainable transport through innovative solutions and behavioural change. They also discuss how the partnership aims to create scalable, low-carbon mobility models that can be applied in other cities facing similar challenges.

Venice is not just a city of canals and gondolas; it’s a hub of innovative potential! The Toyota Mobility Foundation is inviting you to join the Sustainable Cities Challenge to help reimagine mobility solutions in this iconic city. Apply here and be part of the change!

Overview of the episode:

[00:01:54] Teaser Question: "If the Toyota Mobility Foundation and the city of Venice were a mode of transport, what would they be and why?"

[00:04:16] Paola Ravenna's background: Director of European Policies and Projects for the City of Venice

[00:06:48] Andy Fuchs' background: General Manager of Toyota Mobility Foundation - Europe

[00:08:34] Andy Fuchs explains the mission of the Toyota Mobility Foundation in Venice

[00:10:05] Paola Ravenna discusses Venice’s goals in collaborating with the Toyota Mobility Foundation

[00:11:58] The challenge of shifting behaviour towards sustainable mobility in Venice

[00:14:20] Andy’s perspective on the importance of technology and product in supporting behaviour change

[00:17:09] Steps taken in Venice for the Sustainable Cities Challenge

[00:20:04] How solutions from Venice can be applied to other cities

[00:23:36] Andy Fuchs on scaling solutions from Venice to other cities globally

[00:25:57] Measuring the success of behaviour change and mobility projects in Venice

[00:30:52] Call to action for innovators to submit ideas for the Sustainable Cities Challenge

[00:34:18] Flip the Script Segment: Guests ask each other questions

[00:40:19] 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 Carolin Engel, stellvertretende Leiterin des Karlsruher Wissenschaftsbüros, und Markus Losert, Leiter des Amts für Informationstechnik und Digitalisierung in Karlsruhe, über die innovativen Projekte und Strategien, die Karlsruhe zu einem Vorreiter in der Smart-City-Entwicklung machen.

Im Fokus stehen Digitalisierung, Stadtentwicklung und die Zusammenarbeit zwischen Verwaltung, Wissenschaft und Wirtschaft. Sie beleuchten Erfolge, Herausforderungen und die Bedeutung von Netzwerken, während sie Einblicke in die kulturelle und technologische Landschaft Karlsruhes geben.

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In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Shakesheff, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the Open University in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. He shares his vision for Milton Keynes as a testbed for innovation, discussing how the city is leveraging cutting-edge technologies and strategic collaborations to address urban challenges like intelligent mobility, AI, and energy efficiency.

From autonomous transportation to AI-driven solutions, this episode dives into the city's pioneering projects and the collaborative efforts that position Milton Keynes as a leader in Smart City development.

Want to know more about the Smart City initiatives in Milton Keynes? Visit our BABLE Knowledge Hub and read all about the different Use Cases implemented in the city:

StreetCAV: street-side connectivity enables autonomy

DronePort: MK - opening the skies above Milton Keynes

Digital health solutions facilitating independent living at home

Robotic embodiment: universal remote control for city robots using virtual reality

Overview of the episode:

[00:01:32] Teaser Question: "If you could have any superpower to help with your research, what would it be and why?"

[00:02:35] Our guest's background

[00:04:42] The role of Milton Keynes in innovation

[00:06:49] The Open University’s contributions to Milton Keynes' growth and innovation

[00:10:11] Collaborative projects in Milton Keynes, including intelligent mobility and energy efficiency

[00:12:44] Tackling societal challenges like online safety through collaboration

[00:13:16] The Open Societal Challenges program and its impact

[00:14:47] New ideas and innovations arising from community challenges

[00:16:41] Facilitating partnerships between the Open University and businesses

[00:18:22] Balancing the university’s educational mission with innovation

[00:20:13] Key factors in accelerating innovation, particularly in smart cities

[00:21:53] Hot Take of the Day Segment: "Milton Keynes should become the first city in the world to go fully autonomous in terms of transportation."

[00:23:56] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"

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In dieser ersten Folge von ‚Smart im Ländle‘, unserer Podcast-Tour durch Baden-Württemberg, widmen wir uns Pforzheim und seinen fortschrittlichen Smart City-Strategien. Unser Gast, Philipp Linde, der Abteilungsleiter für Smart City in Pforzheim, erläutert, wie die Stadt durch innovative Technologieentwicklung und transformative Projekte die urbane Landschaft neu gestaltet.

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Want to join us for an episode? Contact our host Tamlyn Shimizu.

And for more insights, join our Smart City Community!

In this episode, we sit down with Councillor Shanika Mahendran, the youngest cabinet member for economy, sustainability, and innovation in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. She shares her journey into politics and her vision for the city's future, discussing how Milton Keynes is leveraging innovation and strategic partnerships to address urban challenges like sustainability, health, and social equity.

From autonomous vehicles to drone deliveries, this episode dives into the city's forward-thinking projects and the collaborative culture that drives its success as a leading Smart City in Europe.

Want to know more about the Smart City initiatives in Milton Keynes? Visit our BABLE Knowledge Hub and read all about the different Use Cases implemented in the city:

StreetCAV: street-side connectivity enables autonomy

DronePort: MK - opening the skies above Milton Keynes

Digital health solutions facilitating independent living at home

Robotic embodiment: universal remote control for city robots using virtual reality

Overview of the episode:

[00:01:44] Teaser Question: "If you could have dinner with any historical figure who inspired your journey in public service and environmental advocacy, who would it be and why?"

[00:04:03] Our guest's background: Shanika Mahendran's journey into politics and her role in Milton Keynes

[00:06:09] Setting the stage: Overview of Milton Keynes, its challenges, and its approach to innovation

[00:08:55] Discussion on innovative projects in Milton Keynes, including autonomous vehicles and drone services

[00:11:42] Public reception and acceptance of innovation in Milton Keynes

[00:12:06] Sustainability in Milton Keynes: Addressing climate change and integrating sustainability into city planning

[00:14:25] Prioritising impactful projects: How Milton Keynes selects which projects to focus on

[00:15:47] The role of collaboration in fostering an innovative environment in Milton Keynes

[00:17:10] The culture of innovation in Milton Keynes and what prevents other cities from adopting similar approaches

[00:18:53] Balancing innovation with social equity and addressing potential gentrification

[00:21:19] Accelerating progress: What changes are needed to achieve Milton Keynes' ambitious goals

[00:23:48] Encouraging diverse voices in politics and policy-making

[00:27:18] Top or Flop Segment

[00:29:28] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"

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In this episode recorded live at the Urban Future 2024 conference, our guest Valentina Schippers, Coordinator of the Urban Agenda Partnership on Innovative and Responsible Public Procurement at the City of Haarlem, Netherlands, discusses how innovative public procurement can strategically address social, ecological, and economic challenges, sharing her experiences and strategies from Haarlem. 

The discussion also highlights the importance of simplifying procurement processes, engaging local politicians, and integrating sustainability and social responsibility into public procurement.

Overview of the episode:

[00:02:35] Teaser Question: "Imagine that the city is like your favourite dish to cook. If public procurement were an ingredient, which ingredient would it be?"

[00:03:47] Our guest's background

[00:07:42] Misconceptions about public procurement

[00:09:57] Strategic use of public procurement to address social challenges

[00:12:22] Achieving sustainability through public procurement

[00:14:24] Strategies to include smaller companies in procurement processes

[00:16:24] Common obstacles faced by public authorities in improving procurement processes

[00:19:16] Use of AI and best practices in procurement

[00:24:40] Importance of storytelling in demonstrating the impact of public procurement

[00:28:52] Addressing concerns about the costs of socially responsible and sustainable procurement

[00:30:13] Challenges in Haarlem and its relationship with Amsterdam

[00:32:10] Importance of pre-procurement market consultations and contract management

[00:34:00] Top or Flop Segment

[00:36:44] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"

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In this episode recorded live at the Urban Future 2024 conference, Lykke Leonardsen, Programme Director for Resilient and Sustainable City Solutions at the City of Copenhagen, Denmark, discusses the integration of resilience and urban development, and the innovative water management solutions implemented in Copenhagen.

She also addresses challenges in advancing urban climate action, the importance of breaking down silos in city planning, and future trends in urban resilience and climate adaptation. Additionally, she shares insights on balancing long-term climate resilience with immediate social and economic needs and highlights some of her favourite projects that transform urban spaces while enhancing resilience.

Overview of the episode:

[00:01:20] Teaser Question: "You have one wish from a genie to make one change in Copenhagen to make it more climate resilient overnight. What would it be?"

[00:02:36] Our guest's background

[00:05:12] Defining resilience and sustainability

[00:08:44] Integrating resilience and urban development

[00:14:26] Innovative water management solutions in Copenhagen

[00:16:53] Biggest challenges in Copenhagen and resilience strategies

[00:19:50] Trends and emerging technologies in urban resilience

[00:25:31] Addressing investment concerns and social issues

[00:28:04] Tools and resources needed for accelerating resilience efforts

[00:36:16] Shoutout: our guest mentions a person, an organisation or a city they think deserve more recognition in the field.

[00:38:13] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"

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In this episode recorded live at the Urban Future 2024 conference, Anna Wierzbicka, Director at the City of Łódź in Poland, discussed with us the city's history, its transition to addressing climate issues, and the importance of community involvement in urban development.

She emphasised the challenges and opportunities related to sustainability, economic growth, and collaborative efforts with other cities and stakeholders.

Overview of the episode:

[00:02:55] Teaser Question: "If your city were an animal, which animal would it be?"

[00:05:55] Our guest's background.

[00:09:00] Discussion on the biggest challenges Łódź is facing.

[00:13:04] Achievements of the European Climate Pact and its impact.

[00:15:09] Cross-sector collaboration in Łódź.

[00:17:16] Balancing economic growth and sustainability.

[00:22:28] Communicating the urgency of climate action.

[00:24:16] Examples of successful initiatives in Łódź.

[00:28:46] Anticipating future technological changes and challenges.

[00:32:42] Inspire Us: our guest shares a story, a quote, or anything that has inspired them recently.

[00:33:21] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"

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This episode was recorded live at the Urban Future 2024 conference, where we sat down with Christophe Najdovski, the Deputy Mayor of Revegetation, Green Spaces, Biodiversity & Animal Welfare at the City of Paris.

He shared his insights and experiences in redistributing and redesigning public spaces in Paris, highlighting key initiatives such as the pedestrianisation of the Seine Banks and the development of cycling infrastructure. We discussed the environmental and social impacts of these transformations, the challenges of maintaining green spaces amidst urban development, and how Paris prepared for the upcoming Olympic Games as an accelerator of ecological transition.

Overview of the episode:

[00:02:35] Teaser Question: "If the parks and green spaces of Paris could talk, what stories do you think they would tell us?"

[00:03:24] Our guest's background

[00:06:03] Discussion on the transformation of Paris into a garden city and the political will behind these changes

[00:09:56] Challenges in redistributing public space and ensuring community support

[00:12:39] The success and public reception of the pedestrianisation of the Seine Banks

[00:15:05] Coping with climate change and the importance of greening the city

[00:19:57] Financial investment in urban greening and its benefits for the community

[00:21:25] Integrating green spaces in the context of the upcoming Olympic Games

[00:25:31] Engaging with the public and handling conflicts around urban development

[00:29:22] Learning from other cities and sharing best practices in urban sustainability

[00:33:36] Hot Take of the Day: Increasing parking prices for SUVs in Paris

[00:37:21] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"

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In the sixth and last episode of our SMCNetZero series, we discussed the project's key achievements with Clara Plata Ríos, Project Director at Smart City Cluster, and Goran Lampelj, Project Coordinator at ODRAZ-Sustainable Community Development.

They shared their insights on the project's goals, the collaborative efforts among different stakeholders, and the significance of the market analysis in identifying key opportunities and challenges. They also addressed concerns about the feasibility and scalability of net-zero goals, emphasising the importance of tailored solutions and citizen engagement.

Overview of the episode:

[00:02:01] Teaser Question: "What is the best memory of the project so far, and also the worst?"

[00:04:15] Our guests' backgrounds: Clara's and Goran's professional journeys.

[00:05:36] Project Goals: Description of the SMCNetZero project and involved stakeholders.

[00:07:53] Achievements and Benefits: Significant achievements and benefits for cities.

[00:11:33] Collaboration Among Stakeholders: Fostering collaboration among local governments, businesses, and community organizations.

[00:14:19] Market Analysis: Utilisation of market analysis in the project.

[00:18:17] Common Challenges: Similarities and challenges of Small and Medium-sized Cities.

[00:23:41] Addressing Feasibility Concerns: Ensuring strategies are adaptable to unique city needs.

[00:29:22] Next Steps: Future initiatives and steps for SMCNetZero.

[00:34:38] Flip the Script: Our guests ask each other questions.

[00:36:40] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"

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