Smart City Aarau networked, user-centered and environmentally friendly
With a revised strategy, the city of Aarau wants to meet the urban challenges of our time in a smart way. Networking, user focus and resource conservation are at the heart of this. Digital change is seen as a tool, not an end in itself.
Aarau is facing complex social and technological developments. In order to respond to this in a future-oriented manner, the city is pursuing a networked, creative and efficient approach with its Smart City strategy. The focus is on concrete benefits for the target groups and environmentally friendly processes. Digital technologies are only used where they create real added value.
Five basic principles for smart impact
Based on experience from the first strategy period from 2021 to 2025 and proven models from other cities, Aarau has defined five high-impact approaches.
Networking: Projects interlock across departments and are implemented collaboratively.
Meeting needs: Solutions that are actually needed are developed in dialog with the population.
Testing: Innovation also means trying things out. Pilot tests help to minimize risks and make ideas practicable.
Environmental protection: Sustainability is a must. All projects take environmental aspects into account and rely on renewable resources.
Technology as a means to an end: Technology is used in a targeted manner and only if it contributes to the solution.
Smart City Team as enabler
The municipal Smart City Team supports employees in the idea and project phase. It helps to identify target groups, hone project ideas and develop testable solutions. Formats such as kick-off meetings, workshops or support for complex projects through to implementation are available. The motto: implement projects with real benefits for Aarau or consciously reject them.
Targeted support and smart vessels
The Smart City Team also works in the background. It monitors trends, networks stakeholders and promotes knowledge transfer via formats such as the “Smart City Newsroom”. It also supports projects financially via the Smart City Investment Loan and helps to create participatory vessels.
Measuring impact and learning
The strategy is based on the IOOI impact model and measures not only outputs but also outcomes and long-term impacts. The aim is for all municipal specialists to apply user-centered methods, plan their projects in a networked manner, implement them in a resource-efficient way and integrate digital technologies in a meaningful way by 2034.
Smart City Aarau thinks ahead
The city of Aarau is reinterpreting Smart City as a method for developing sustainable, liveable urbanity. The focus is on people, not technology. This turns complexity into innovation and ideas into concrete future solutions for Aarau.