On October 24th and 25th, 2024, the Lleida Artificial Intelligence & Optimization workshop (LAIO 2024) took place in Lleida, Spain. Organized through a partnership between the Lleida City Council, the University of Lleida, and the Universitat Politècnica de València, this event was part of the larger Lleida Tech initiative and hosted at the Agrobiotech Scientific Park. Designed to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and city stakeholders, LAIO 2024 emphasized the vital role of Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Systems Optimization in transforming business, industry, and social sectors toward a sustainable digital future.

As part of this influential event, Veronika Tsertsvadze from the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) delivered a remarkable presentation, "Using Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and KPIs for Urban Planning and Design." This session highlighted how cities involved in the UP2030 Horizon Europe (HE) project are applying data-driven methodologies to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda. Veronika’s presentation emphasized how Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and data analytics are instrumental in tracking urban progress, assessing commitment, and driving impactful city planning. Real-world examples illustrated how these tools are already shaping smarter, more sustainable cities across Europe.

Throughout the two-day workshop, experts from various universities and industries explored themes such as artificial intelligence applications in precision agriculture, sustainable urbanization, and innovative R&D in digital optimization. Attendees engaged in dynamic discussions on projects and best practices for AI applications, with the goal of advancing research, knowledge transfer, and tangible improvements in urban and agricultural systems. LAIO 2024 also served as a platform to introduce the public to the ongoing university-industry collaborations that are making strides in these areas.

This gathering of minds and expertise reinforced the potential of data and technology to transform urban landscapes and business operations, setting a precedent for innovation and collaboration in sustainable development.

Stay tuned as UP2030 continues to share how data-driven strategies are reshaping urban environments!