From robotic dogs and service robots in classrooms to student-designed library robots, Oulu is exploring how artificial intelligence and robotics can enrich learning, culture and public services.

The City of Oulu is developing and testing new robotics solutions together with OSAO, Microsoft, Sanoma Pro and other regional partners. The aim is to understand where robots can genuinely add value, while also identifying where human oversight remains essential.

Making government work around citizens, not the other way around

When residents experience major life events, such as the birth of a child, moving home or losing a loved one, they often need support from multiple public authorities. Yet navigating government services can be complex. Information, benefits, obligations and support measures are frequently dispersed across different organisations and levels of government, requiring citizens to search, apply and repeatedly provide the same information. The City of Ghent is working to change this reality.

When did my municipality approve a new cycling lane? How have local representatives voted in the recent city council debate on green spaces, and where can I watch a recording of the council meeting?

From new playgrounds and green spaces to mobility and cultural projects, residents in Sofia are increasingly helping decide how public money should be spent in their neighbourhoods. Through its Sofia Decides participatory budgeting platform, known locally as Reshava Sofia, the municipality is giving residents a direct role in proposing, developing and voting for projects that can improve their districts and the city as a whole.