Smart Cities
Smart Cities drives essential transitions in cities and regions by harnessing technology and data. Through our expertise in design processes, we co-create with stakeholders to research, develop and test smart solutions that enhance sustainability and quality of life. We refine these solutions in real-world settings and transform our insights into practical toolkits and knowlegde products that empower change.
We help cities tackle major societal challenges, such as the energy transition, by applying smart technologies like energy-saving apps and data dashboards. These technologies only deliver real impact when combined with a sociotechnical approach. One that not only involves citizens in the design process, but into the heart of the innovation itself.
Our expertise
Co-creating sociotechnical smart city solutions
We design and develop smart city applications in close collaboration with stakeholders. These solutions are both technological and social, closely aligned with citizens’ needs and the contexts in which they live.
Enrichment, integration and analysis of smart city data using AI
We support government institutions in digitalizing their processes and exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance and transform those processes.
Solutions to sustainability issues
Promoting awareness, acceptance and behavioural change regarding sustainability topics such as mobility, climate adaptation and the energy transition.
Interested in collaboration or do you have questions?
Please contact us.
Dr. Mettina Veenstra
Our Focus
Smart Cities focuses on two main areas. In these research lines, topics like sustainability, mobility, technology, and AI are recurring themes. A key principle is that working together with citizens and governments is central, and the way a project is shaped depends on the needs of society.
Improving quality of life using smart-city applications
Data-based applications for use in public spaces that contribute to the quality of life in the city and region. Mobility, attractive city centres and (ground) water management are the focus areas. Our research and development projects are characterised by a sociotechnical approach in which we involve stakeholders and communities in all phases of the design process.
Steering public policy on the basis of data
Cities can make data-driven decisions using smart city technology and open data. This offers opportunities to speed up the policy process and improve the quality of decisions.
We collaborated with Smart Cities on the MaaS platform, which is set to become the go-to transport app for the Achterhoek region. The collaboration went very smooth, as we both worked toward a shared goal: truly helping the people of Achterhoek with their transportation needs.
Our researchers
How to collaborate?
Smart Cities distinguishes itself by gearing projects to the needs and demands of its partners and society. We provide support throughout the process in all areas from funding to securing the application.
- Collaboration: Joint project development and funding
- Network: Discover our extensive network of partners
- A helping hand from the education sector: Opportunities to collaborate with Smart Cities includes working with or supervising students
Cooperation research group, professional field and education
When developing smart-city applications, we always work closely with other knowledge institutions, municipalities, companies and also the educational field. Students from a wide range of programmes work together in a pleasant and supportive learning environment. They have great deal freedom of choice and the opportunity to gain experience in their field by collaborating with our partners.
The research group is involved in the following programmes:
Studying at our research group
About to graduate or looking for an internship? Want to go beyond your studies and work on real-world projects? Join our lectorate network and connect with a vibrant community of researchers, companies, and alumni.