The European Commission, one of the main financiers and key partner of the FinEst Centre for Smart Cities, evaluated the centre by involving foreign experts in the analysis. According to this, FinEst Centre for Smart Cities is seen as a possible so-called flagship project, i.e. a model for other projects in Europe.
"We have really achieved quite a lot both in research and development activities and in the development of the organization," said Ralf-Martin Soe, Head of the Centre. "We have implemented six large pilot projects in Estonian cities and we are preparing the next projects both in Estonia and abroad."
In April, the Center started the fourth idea competition. The goal is to find and implement innovative ideas to solve multifaceted urban problems. Funding of 3.7 million euros awaits the four selected pilot projects. "Our ambition is to create innovative and smart so-called smart city solutions that improve the quality of life in cities," explained Ralf-Martin Soe. "We are guided in our activities by the recognition that the future of a happy and fulfilling city life lies in the well-being of the residents and the creation of an environment resistant to change."
FinEst Center for Smart Cities was established in 2019 and is an independent organization within Tallinn University of Technology.
