This fourth and last episode of our collaboration with Red Española de Ciudades Inteligentes (RECI) was recorded live at the Smart City Expo World Congress 2023 with Erol Özgüner, CIO of the Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul, Türkiye, and Fernando de Pablo Martín, General Director of the Digital Office of the City Council of Madrid, Spain.

The conversation primarily focused on the digital transformation initiatives and strategies implemented in the two cities, with topics such as the creation of digital offices, the use of technology to address urban challenges, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. Our guests also touched on challenges such as cybersecurity, digital identity, and the impact of technology on improving citizen services.

Overview of the episode:

[00:02:11] Teaser: If Istanbul and Madrid were plants, which plants would they be and why?

[00:03:41] Fernando and Erol's Professional Background

[00:09:28] About the creation of the Madrid Digital Office

[00:12:43] On what topics is Erol working most closely?

[00:18:08] The main challenges the city of Madrid is facing

[00:23:35] The main challenges the city of Istanbul is facing

[00:28:25] What is the Madrid Digital Capital Strategy?

[00:32:29] What's Istanbul's vision regarding digital and technological innovations in the near future?

[00:38:46] How is Madrid using data and what is the strategy behind this?

[00:41:23] What are some recent examples of digital products or services that improved the processes of Istanbul's municipality?

[00:48:16] What advice would you have for others trying to digitalise public services?

[00:51:09] What is the 2030 Smart City Strategic Plan of Istanbul?

[00:53:13] Flip the Script: our guests ask questions to each other.

[00:57:16] Ending Question: To you, what is a Smart City?

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