Smart Moves for a Net-Zero Future: TERRAIN’s First Webinar Sparks Ideas Across Borders
What does it take to reimagine urban mobility in the digital age? The first TERRAIN capacity-building webinar answered just that — with a dynamic mix of smart solutions, real data, inspiring practices, and a strong human touch.
Under the title Smart & Digital Mobility, the online event gathered mobility and digitalization experts, municipal leaders, and accessibility advocates from across the Adriatic-Ionian region. Hosted by Ljubljana’s Regional Development Agency (RRA LUR), it showcased how cities are turning mobility challenges into opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and inclusion.
Smart Tech Meets Human Needs
The webinar kicked off with a deep dive into digital twin technologies, as Sami Sahala from Forum Virium Helsinki revealed how Helsinki is integrating diverse data sources — from point clouds and drone footage to traffic sensors — to create actionable city models. These digital twins don’t just simulate traffic — they support everything from urban air mobility planning to real-time traffic predictions using neural networks.
In parallel, Ljubljana’s Urban Digital Platform, presented by Sabina Popit, outlined a citizen-first digital strategy built on public consultations, online surveys, and open data. With over 50,000+ data points processed, the platform supports mobility planning, accessibility, and digital literacy across neighborhoods — with the ultimate goal of building a digital twin for quality living.
Bologna: Where Data Meets Asphalt
From sensors to signals, Luigi Russi of the City of Bologna introduced an integrated traffic control system that covers: 385 crossroads, 87% using adaptive control, 68 public transport priority lights, 1,263 vehicle detection loops.
Results? Up to 15% reduction in travel times, optimized space for pedestrians, bikes, and cars, and a mobility digital twin model that forecasts congestion scenarios under different speed limits — such as the city’s “City 30” strategy.
Nothing About Us Without Us
Perhaps the most moving moment came with Roman Rener from the Geodetic Institute of Slovenia, who demonstrated how digital tools can — and should — be co-created with those they’re designed to support. His long-standing project includes: 104 municipalities, over 50,000 mapped facilities, including 3,720 disabled parking spaces and 7,540 physical barriers, web tools and printed maps for wheelchair users, on-call accessible transport pilots.
What makes it unique? All field data was gathered by people with disabilities themselves — a powerful case of citizen science with social and technical value.
More Than Just Tech: A Shift in Mindset
Beyond tech buzzwords, the webinar emphasized knowing your field — literally and figuratively. Whether it’s city council interviews, integrating past projects into new ones, or mentoring less-experienced cities, the TERRAIN project promotes a bottom-up, transnational approach.
The message was clear: To build smarter cities, you must first build stronger bridges — between data and people, old and new, local insights and regional strategies.
What’s Next?
This was just the beginning. Three more TERRAIN webinars will follow:
- Shared & Active Mobility Solutions (May 2025, led by Zagreb)
- Integrated Public Transport and Multimodal Solutions (June 2025, Bologna)
- Electromobility Transition (September 2025, Ioannina)
Stay in the loop! Follow the TERRAIN website!