For years, Tampere has actively used digital tools, data, and AI to support urban development and improve public services.
The Tampere.Finland app is already in the pockets of many locals, while digital solutions behind the scenes help the city predict maintenance needs and improve event safety. Before heading for a swim, residents can check water quality and temperature online, and entrepreneurs can track customer flows with the Pulssi application. These are just a few examples.
Now, Tampere is inviting everyone to help shape the future of the smart city by answering a survey — an opportunity to share what kinds of digital tools and services residents would like from their city. The survey is open until 31 October 2025. Take the survey.
Most recently, the city’s smart city development has been coordinated through the four-year Smart City for Citizens programme, which concludes at the end of this year.
– Now that the technologies have matured and we’ve strengthened the city’s digital capabilities, it’s the right moment to listen to residents’ ideas for the next phase. Their feedback will give us valuable insights into how people experience digitalisation – and that’s what we’re building these smart solutions for: to improve everyday life, says Maria Nikkilä, Executive Director, Digitalisation and ICT at the City of Tampere.
– Tampere’s smart city work has received international awards and recognition in recent years. These achievements are great milestones, but now we want to talk with Tampere residents about the tangible results of digital development – what it means in their daily lives, and most importantly, what they think about it, adds Jaakko Mustakallio, Deputy Mayor of the City of Tampere.
Residents can also explore smart city solutions through the “Petra and Tamu Investigates” video series, where a fictional duo dives into topics such as smart city development, digital services, and AI literacy - all through the eyes of children. The series is part of the final-year communication campaign for the Data-Driven City for Citizens develpment programme.
– Smart city solutions and their terminology can sometimes sound distant, even though they’re really just about everyday services that make life easier. The series showcases a few current examples and helps residents imagine what smart city development could mean for them, says Outi Valkama, Programme Manager at the City of Tampere.
The episodes explore how digital twins are used in urban planning and simulations, take a closer look at the Tampere.Finland app, and include interviews with experts from the City of Tampere and YLE on the importance of AI literacy.
