On September 24 and 25, Venice hosted the concluding events of the EnCLOD project (Enhancing Governance Capacities of Local Authorities using Open Data). This Interreg Central Europe initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of public administrations to use open data, IoT sensors, and digital tools for data-driven spatial planning.
Open Data for mobility and local governance: the Venice conference
The final conference, held at Iuav University of Venice, brought together project partners, institutions, and international experts to discuss the theme “Open Data – Toward a better governance of mobility and the territory.”
Following the opening remarks, Francesca Borga (EPC) outlined the project’s journey and key achievements, delving into the analysis of mobility data collected in the Vicenza area and its value for shaping evidence-based public policies (data-driven decision-making). Subsequently, Winfried Ritt from the Interreg Central Europe Joint Secretariat highlighted the importance of transnational cooperation in integrated territorial development.
Data in Action: Tools and Solutions for Smart Mobility
The first session showcased the tangible transformation of data into operational applications:
- David Bárta (CityOne) presented the EnCLOD Project model for creating Digital Twins based on Open Data.
- Carlo Costa (CTO of Autostrada del Brennero) analyzed the role of Open Data in enabling advanced, integrated mobility.
- Alessandro Sosi (OpenMove) discussed the evolution of open data into mobility intelligence solutions.
A specific focus was placed on the EnCLOD Project hackathons, organized in pilot regions to engage students, innovators, and local stakeholders in developing innovative ideas and software.
Infrastructure, planning, and sensor networks
The second session expanded the discussion to the management of infrastructure and transport services:
- Marco Percoco (Bocconi University) analyzed the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of open data in the assessment of infrastructure investments.
- Alberta Parolin outlined the experience of planning school transport in the Metropolitan City of Venice.
- Jaroslav Burian (Palacký University Olomouc) described the transition from measurement via sensor networks to the implementation of digital urban planning tools in the Olomouc pilot area.
The 5 Pilot Actions of the EnCLOD Project
During the project’s development, five European pilot areas Vicenza, Žilina, Debrecen, Nova Gorica, and Olomouc tested solutions based on open data and IoT networks to address daily local challenges:
- Traffic management and winter road safety
- Optimization of public transport planning and parking
- Air quality monitoring and mitigation of urban heat islands
EPC’s Role and the Pilot Project in the Province of Vicenza
As a strategic partner, EPC assisted the Province of Vicenza (Lead Partner) in the overall coordination of the transnational partnership, while simultaneously supporting the implementation of the local Pilot Action.
The initiative in the Vicenza area involved installing four weather stations along the mountain road network and developing in collaboration with Iuav University of Venice a predictive model to assess and plan winter salting operations. This innovation enables more efficient, safe, and sustainable road network management.
The Final Transnational Partner Meeting and the Legacy of the EnCLOD Project
September 25th was dedicated to the final operational meeting among the partners. The gathering focused on the long-term sustainability of the project’s results, the sharing of EnCLOD Guidelines for the effective use of Open Data, and the final activities regarding project capitalization and closure.
With the conclusion of the EnCLOD Project, a shared wealth of expertise, tools, and cooperation methodologies remains available to the regions involved. This experience demonstrates how synergy between European entities can transform data into knowledge that guides transparent public decisions aligned with citizens’ needs.
For more information, visit the project’s official website!
