AI for Modern City Administration: Revolutionising Public Sector Efficiency
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how city administrations manage operations, services, and citizen engagement. At its essence, AI is about crafting computer systems capable of tasks that normally require human intellect, such as understanding speech or recognising images. It is a broad field that includes machine learning (ML), deep learning, and generative AI, each contributing uniquely to automating processes and enhancing decision-making.
The re-emergence of the tram: transport for the sustainable transition
As technology develops, it is common that advancements often phase out older systems in favour of new innovations. However, in the realm of urban mobility, a notable exception is emerging. Once sidelined by the rise of car-centric infrastructure, one mode of public transport is making a striking comeback: the tram.
Mastering mobility: demand responsive transport
How can mobility providers avoid running empty or near-empty buses through rural areas but still provide public transport for the people who live or work there? And how can cities avoid private car usage during times where public transport availability is low?
Designing for all: principles of universal access in public transportation
The concept of universal access refers to the design and operation of built environments, products, services and systems that can be used by all people, regardless of their abilities, age or other factors. The ultimate goal of universal access is to create inclusive spaces and experiences accessible to everyone, without necessitating additional adaptations or specialisations.
Mastering mobility: low emissions zones
Many European cities face air quality problems related to road transport, with a staggering 94% of the urban population exposed to NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) pollution levels higher than the World Health Organisation’s guidelines. The European Environment Agency recently reported that exposure to fine particulate matter, from transport and other various sources, resulted in 307,000 premature deaths in the 27 EU Member States in 2019.
The Paris Olympics and the Urban Heat Island Effect
The Parisian Olympic Village was designed to be more sustainable than ever, but is it helping solve the Urban Heat Island effect?
Why Brazil shouldn’t be the first country to regulate Artificial Intelligence
The answer is simple: when it comes to a constant (and rapidly) evolving technology, premature regulation means limiting its development.
AI is in its early infancy. We are often surprised by new uses and applications, unimaginable a few months before. And with such evolution, questions naturally arise about its impact, risks, and responsible use, which must be initially addressed with guidelines and standards. As tempting as it may seem to answer these questions with strict and broad regulation, it will be premature and obsolete in a short period of time.
Brazilian Startups: Overcoming the Decline in Investments with Efficient Public Policies
As global economic and political uncertainties rise, the investment landscape for startups in Brazil faces significant challenges. According to the Distrito platform, the first quarter of this year witnessed an 86% drop in new investments compared to the same period in 2022, with investments plummeting from $1.7 billion to $247.02 million. Despite these setbacks, Brazil still holds immense entrepreneurial and innovative potential. The beacon of hope lies in creating promising public policies that support startups, preventing stagnation and ensuring we reach our full potential.
Cycling for all: the interventions enabling equitable access to urban cycling
Cycling is seen as one of the most healthy modes of transport, but not everyone has equal access to safety and comfort on urban streets. Luckily, there are grassroots initiatives to level the playing field when it comes to urban cycling.
Mastering mobility: mobility data spaces
The creation of a common mobility data space for Europe is possible, but what is it?