The pandemic has further highlighted the importance of technology and digitalisation in many aspects of our daily lives. Cities have adapted new technologies, streamlined their day to-day management and become more efficient while trying to maintain and improve public services. Many cities are becoming smart cities. By working closely with residents, smart cities develop new projects using technology to promote sustainability.

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In 2016, Sofia started an initiative to become a capital for digital innovation. Through the Sofia Investment Agency, the city launched the Smart Specialisation Strategy to enhance local innovation and improve the technology ecosystem. The agency targeted a number of objectives in multiple sectors, including enhancing the use of digital services, bringing together public and private entities on innovative digital products, and using data and digital technologies to improve public and private services.

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Thanks to the Hub’s support, the projects selected by the Sofia agency may be eligible for financing by the Bank or the European Regional Development Fund.

Smart cities bring immeasurable benefits, from better energy and resource management to greater mobility and security. Smart city strategies can tackle complex challenges in a sustainable way while helping society as a whole.