Design principles

The development of Smart Cities/Regions requires a strategic, multidisciplinary and flexible approach. We acknowledge that only an integrated management system, tailored to local conditions, and including the perspectives of all relevant stakeholders (administration, citizens, business) will lead to the successful implementation of measures. The planning and implementation of Smart Regions does not follow a linear process, but is rather a complex, dynamic and integrated process. There is indeed no “one size fits all” solution for developing a Smart City/Region. Three design principles serve as orientation for our work:

1. The transformation into a smart Region is an integrated and flexible process

Integrated planning is a prerequisite for the mapping and inclusion of cross-sectoral key fields of action; for example, the expansion of digital infrastructure, data management, smart services and competencies. With in-depth knowledge in these areas, aconium carries out a specific analysis for your city/region, including the planning for the implementation of necessary policy and regulatory measures. We support you onsite in the development and execution of your projects. For projects on a larger scale and/or with higher potential for knowledge transfer, we offer you our national and European network to help you acquire suitable co-financing opportunities.

2. The transformation into a smart region is a multidisciplinary and participatory process

Smart Cities and Regions rely heavily on digital participation and co-creation from multiple stakeholders. We encourage and stimulate the creation of a platform for experts, individuals and interest groups from various disciplines (e.g., business, environment, energy and technology). To ensure the success of transformation processes, aconium relies on the participation of citizens. We use a variety of participatory methods that incorporate the needs and values of citizens in the implementation and involve the local population in the transformation process.

3. The transformation to a smart region is a systemic approach

aconium supports you with a systematic and structured approach, guiding you through every step to build a successful strategy. This includes analysing the current situation and needs for digitalization, formulating a mission statement, developing an implementation plan and specific measures and evaluating their performance. However, the planning and implementation of digital transformation is not a linear process. In several feedback loops, the process can be adapted to the specific situation in your city or region. We can also develop a tailored communication and marketing plan for you, which includes stakeholder-mapping and communication activities on all relevant channels.