The Innovation in Politics Awards recognise bold political projects that strengthen democracy across Europe. The winners are selected by an independent jury of more than a thousand citizens.
– In Tampere, new solutions are developed through collaboration between the city, businesses, researchers and residents. These finalist nominations demonstrate how bold renewal and participation can strengthen democracy, urban life and economic vitality, says Irene Vekkeli, Director of Economic Development and Innovation at the City of Tampere.
Established in 2017, the awards bring together political projects from across Europe.
AI4Citizens is an EU project led by Tampere that explores the opportunities and challenges of adopting AI in the public sector. One of the project’s main objectives is to foster open dialogue about AI with residents. The project is shortlisted in the Strengthening Europe category.
– It is particularly rewarding that a jury of European citizens has selected AI4Citizens as a finalist. The future of AI is not determined by technology alone: it is shaped together with people, strengthening trust, participation and democracy. The Strengthening Europe category reflects our work well: we collaborate across Europe and learn from one another, says Aino-Maija Vaskelainen, AI4Citizens Project Manager at the City of Tampere.
Pulse is available within the Tampere.Finland city app. It is a finalist in the Digital Innovation & Governance category.
– People and businesses make a vibrant city centre. Tampere Pulse supports both. It is a practical digital tool developed by the city that helps businesses, residents and the city itself prepare for different situations, Vekkeli says.
