Second stakeholders meeting in Romania

The event began with a general presentation of Ursula von der Leyen's objectives for the 2024-2029 period regarding digitalization measures and initiatives (proposed on July 18, 2024) and an overview of the activities implemented so far within the AI4Citizens partnership. The main session of the event was dedicated to regional initiatives within the project, followed by an in-depth discussion on how digitalization and AI are transforming the public sector.

Aino-Maija Vaskelainen, an expert from the Tampere municipality (Finland), shared the city's experience in implementing the AI governance model and the Data-Driven City for Citizens program. These local initiatives aim to create a data-driven smart city where citizens are actively involved in administrative processes.

Additionally, Francesco Papa, CEO of LOKI SRL, based in Turin (Italy), presented AI solutions developed to improve road safety, demonstrating how AI can help reduce accidents and optimize urban traffic.

Ioan-Paul Niculae, CTO of URBAN SCOPE SRL, spoke about the innovation brought by AI in simplifying and accelerating administrative decision-making processes, while Valentina Stan, from URBASOFIA, presented the perspectives of the INCA project, specifically the launch of the Open Innovation Lab in Bucharest, emphasizing the role of participatory collaboration in promoting innovative solutions for smart cities.

At the end of the event, conclusions were drawn regarding the importance of continued collaboration between stakeholders, and future actions were identified to consolidate the results of the AI4Citizens project. The event highlighted the vital role AI plays in transforming public administration and in creating more efficient and inclusive local communities.

Future events and activities within the project will continue to facilitate and support the exchange of best practices between local and interregional actors, bringing to the public's attention successful examples and innovations in the implementation of AI solutions in public administration.