UR-DATA at the Nordic Conference: Advanced Data Analytics for Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Cities

📍 Science and Technology Park Niš  🗓 April 29, 2025

The UR-DATA project had the great pleasure of co-organizing and participating in the event “Advanced Data Analytics for Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Cities”, hosted at the Science and Technology Park Niš. The event was organized by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Belgrade, in cooperation with the UR-DATA project, and brought together decision-makers, researchers, business leaders, and students to explore the role of data in shaping sustainable urban futures.

The conference featured a series of inspiring keynotes, data-driven presentations, and a lively panel discussion that highlighted the importance of international partnerships, Nordic-Serbian collaboration, and the exchange of innovative practices in urban development.

The conference opened with welcoming remarks from: H.E. Ms Kristin Melsom, Ambassador of Norway to Serbia, Prof. Dr. Mihailo Jovanović, Director of the Office for IT and E-Government, Prof. Dr. Dragan Đorđević, Vice-Rector for Science, University of Niš and Aleksandar Milićević, Representative of the Science and Technology Park Niš
Moderated by Ms Iva Petrović, Executive Director of the Nordic Business Alliance, the opening set the tone for a day of insight, innovation, and international cooperation.

The first keynote, delivered by UR-DATA team member, Prof. Marija Džunić (FEUN), introduced the UR-DATA project’s vision and progress through a presentation titled “Twinning for Excellence in Smart and Resilient Urban Development: Advanced Data Analytics Approach.” Next, Prof. Claudia van der Laag (Oslo Metropolitan University) provided a comparative analysis of urban well-being across Europe, drawing on insights from Niš and Oslo.

This was followed by a trio of impactful research presentations: Professor Jelena Stanković, UR-DATA Project Coordinator (Faculty of Economics, University of Niš), presented a data-driven analysis of population dynamics in the Western Balkans, emphasizing smart connectivity and regenerative urban growth. This was followed by Professor John Östh (Oslo Metropolitan University) who offered a socio-spatial perspective on commuting flows and regional resilience in Sweden. Professor Vesna Janković Milić (Faculty of Economics, University of Niš) concluded the research session with reflections on lessons from Oslo and Helsinki for building greener and more resilient cities in Serbia.

The panel discussion, moderated by Ms Iva Petrović, Executive Director of the Nordic Business Alliance, brought together leading voices from Nordic and Serbian tech and innovation sectors. Panelists included representatives from Crayon (Norway), ABB (Sweden), ScanwAi (Finland), DMV (Serbia), and Cloud City (Serbia). The session showcased real-world applications of smart and green data solutions, highlighting the shared commitment to sustainable digital transformation.

The event also gave the stage to young voices through the “Students for Students” segment, where students presented inspiring GIS and urban mobility projects related to urban neighborhoods in Oslo. Their work demonstrated the power of cross-border learning and the creativity of future urban professionals.

The conference concluded with closing remarks from H.E. Ms Kristin Melsom, Ambassador of Norway to Serbia and H.E. Mr Niklas Lindqvist, Ambassador of Finland to Serbia.

On behalf of the UR-DATA team, we express our deepest appreciation to all speakers, panelists, students, and guests. A special thanks goes to the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Belgrade and the Nordic Business Alliance for organizing this exceptional event. The atmosphere was one of energy, insight, and authentic collaboration. This event sparked many new ideas and opportunities for cross-border cooperation, and reaffirmed our shared mission to build smarter, greener, and more resilient cities—together.