How Cities Use Data to Improve Daily Life

CitizenCity supports cities and communities in working together around data in a way that is transparent, secure, and responsible. The project is co-funded by the European Union and is part of the DS4SSCC initiative. Through real-world pilots in different European regions, CitizenCity shows how trusted data sharing can make a tangible difference in daily life while supporting Europe’s green and digital transition. The goal of the project is the validation of the Blueprints for the DS4SSCC.

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What We Do

CitizenCity works with three pilot regions: Eindhoven in the Netherlands, Oulu in Finland, and the Province of Álava in Spain. In each region, existing data platforms are further developed into trusted data space environments, supported by clear governance arrangements, privacy safeguards, and collaborative ways of working. Across the pilots, CitizenCity develops and tests approaches that enable cities to share data across sectors and organisations. These include practical methodologies and tools that guide collaboration between public authorities, private partners, knowledge institutes, and citizens. Together, the pilots function as real-world learning environments that demonstrate how data spaces can be developed step by step and applied by other cities.

Co-creating Smart and Sustainable Cities and Communities

CitizenCity is a co-funded European- pilot project that brings cities, organisations, researchers, and citizens together to enable responsible data sharing for the public good. By aligning data use with European values and long-term sustainability goals, the project supports cities in developing open, reliable, and collaborative data practices. Placing people and practice at the centre, CitizenCity moves beyond purely technical data spaces. Cities are supported in developing shared agreements, governance arrangements, and working methods that make data use understandable, trustworthy, and relevant for everyday urban challenges, while remaining firmly grounded in local needs and European ambitions.

Our Use Cases

Eindhoven – Positive Energy District

A local data space brings together energy, liveability, and social data to support the development of 40,000 new homes by 2040. By improving insight and coordination, the pilot contributes to accelerating the energy transition at neighbourhood level.

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Oulu – Cross-sectoral data space

A participation-focused data space combines a digital twin with an AI-supported chatbot to help residents make more sustainable choices. The pilot explores how data can support urban liveability while strengthening citizen involvement.

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Álava – Mobility and winter road safety

Real-time data, thermal mapping, and alerts are used to improve mobility, resilience, and road safety during harsh winter conditions, supporting safer and more reliable transport systems.

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Why it Matters

Cities across Europe face similar challenges: fragmented data landscapes, complex digital infrastructures, and limited confidence in how data is governed and shared. CitizenCity demonstrates that trusted data sharing can help address these challenges and deliver concrete societal benefits.

The project shows how responsible data use can contribute to:

supporting the energy transition,
improving urban liveability, safety, and resilience,
enabling meaningful citizen participation,
strengthening trust between public authorities, private organisations, and citizens.

By linking European policy objectives with hands-on experimentation, CitizenCity illustrates how data-driven innovation can be both practical and people-centred.

A European Framework for Cities

CitizenCity contributes to the European Data Space for Smart and Sustainable Cities and Communities (DS4SSCC-DEP) by preparing and testing a shared blueprint for responsible data use. The project aligns with the European Green Deal and broader European data strategies, offering cities a common reference framework while leaving room for local context and priorities.

Through shared learning and reusable outcomes, CitizenCity helps cities apply proven approaches to data governance and collaboration, supporting progress towards more sustainable and trustworthy digital ecosystems.

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Learn More and Get Involved

CitizenCity brings together people, data, and collaboration to shape a digital future that works for cities and communities across Europe. Whether you represent a city, a public authority, an organisation, a research institute, or a local community, CitizenCity offers practical insights into how responsible data sharing can create lasting value.

→ About CitizenCity
→ Explore the pilots
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Interested in applying trusted data sharing in your city or region?

CitizenCity works with public authorities, partners and innovators to turn data into practical urban solutions. Get in touch to discuss use cases, collaboration opportunities and what implementation could look like in your context.