A leading smart city hub in Europe is revolutionising intelligent urban planning and sustainable mobility
The VIENNA REGION, consisting of Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, is now recognised throughout Europe as a pioneer in intelligent, sustainable and innovative urban development. Terms such as ‘smart city’, ‘urban innovation’ and ‘sustainable mobility’ are no longer just buzzwords here - they characterise the everyday lives of millions of people, companies and institutions that benefit from the future-oriented projects in this region. But what exactly makes the VIENNA REGION so special, and which projects are setting new standards in Europe?
This article provides a detailed insight into the world of smart city and sustainability initiatives relating to mobility and urban planning and explains why this region is currently recognised internationally as an influential ‘smart city hub’ for innovation.
What means smart city?
The term ‘smart city’ implies the use of modern information and communication technologies to make urban services and infrastructures more efficient. This includes areas such as energy supply, public administration, mobility and urban development. A central feature is the increased use of renewable energy sources with the aim of achieving climate neutrality. By collecting and analysing data, for example on energy consumption, resources can be used more efficiently and urban processes optimised. This not only results in an improved quality of life for citizens, but also contributes to the sustainability and environmental friendliness of the city.
Smart city in the heart of Europe
The capital city of Vienna in the VIENNA REGION is not only known for its quality of life, culture and history, but is also one of the world's leading smart cities. The urban development of the new ‘aspern Seestadt’ neighbourhood is particularly noteworthy. On the former Aspern airfield in Vienna's 22nd district, a completely new neighbourhood has been under construction for over a decade, which is not only being given a modern design, but is also serving as a real-life laboratory for sustainable urban development that is unique in Europe.
aspern Seestadt - a model for the urban future
The Aspern Smart City Research (ASCR) project makes Seestadt one of the largest urban energy research projects in Europe. In a joint project, the partners Wien Energie, Siemens and the City of Vienna are testing the perfect interplay of resident behaviour, building technology and energy supply, using intelligent power grids, energy-efficient buildings and innovative mobility solutions - such as autonomous e-buses or multimodal mobility stations - to impressively demonstrate what sustainable urban living can look like.
The WienMobil project
The ‘WienMobil - sustainable mobility for all’ project is an example of the efforts of the City of Vienna and the VIENNA REGION to promote sustainable mobility. A dense and efficient public transport network is complemented by new services such as WienMobil Rad, a city-wide bike hire system. Supplemented by WienMobil stations, which link rail, bus, e-car sharing, e-scooters and bicycles, Vienna is making the everyday lives of its residents sustainable and convenient, while the latest pilot project, the WienMobil Hüpfer, an all-electric on-demand shuttle, shows how flexible and sustainable urban mobility could be organised in the future.
Traffic management 2.0 - digital traffic flow in the VIENNA REGION
The capital of the VIENNA REGION (Vienna) is also driving forward the digital transformation of traffic management. Smart traffic light systems that react to pedestrians in real time and intelligent traffic control systems that dynamically record and optimise traffic situations are just two examples of the progressive measures that make Vienna one of the most advanced cities in Europe and the VIENNA REGION a smart city region, with the aim of optimising traffic flow, reducing congestion and lowering emissions at the same time.
ITS Vienna Region
Founded in 2006, the ITS Vienna Region acts as a competence centre for intelligent transport systems (ITS) for the Austrian provinces of Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland. As part of the Eastern Region Transport Association (VOR), it collects and processes digital transport data, develops innovative services and supports partners with expertise and a network. The aim is to make transport efficient, safe and environmentally friendly, with the intermodal route planner ‘AnachB’, which combines different modes of transport and provides real-time traffic information, being a key service.
Smart solutions for urban and rural areas
While the capital Vienna shines above all with large-scale projects, Lower Austria is focussing on innovative and smart mobility solutions in the VIENNA REGION, particularly in the interplay between urban and rural areas.
LISA.Tulln - the future of mobility in rural areas
The LISA project in Tulln demonstrates how smaller towns and municipalities can effectively implement sustainable mobility. Here, a multimodal concept combines public buses, on-demand shuttles, e-car sharing and bicycles at strategically placed mobility stations. Lower Austria is thus setting an example of how sustainable mobility can also be made attractive and practicable outside of large urban centres.
Smart City Ebreichsdorf - model project for intelligent urban planning
Another lighthouse project is the Smart City Ebreichsdorf. The town is using the extension of the Pottendorf railway line to implement sustainable urban development. Climate-friendly residential and working neighbourhoods are being created around the new railway station based on the concept of the ‘city of short distances’. This will reduce the need for mobility and increase the quality of life at the same time.
Digitalisation and intelligent control
In Tulln, one of the pioneering cities in the VIENNA REGION, intelligent sensor technology is also being used to efficiently manage traffic problems. Ground sensors and apps for smart parking enable stress-free parking while reducing unnecessary search traffic - a concept that can set an example for smaller cities in Europe.
Smart region with a sustainable focus
Burgenland in the VIENNA REGION has also consistently set out on the path to a sustainable and digital future. The strengths of rural areas are being utilised in a targeted manner and further developed through smart projects.
act4.energy - Innovation Lab for energy and mobility
One outstanding project in Burgenland in the VIENNA REGION is the act4.energy innovation lab. This real-world laboratory is researching how electromobility, renewable energies and digital technologies can be optimally combined. The aim is to intelligently network the use of e-mobility and renewable energies and thus enable a decentralised, climate-friendly energy supply.
Mobility transition in rural areas
With the nationwide expansion of electric bus routes and the call-and-collect taxi (BAST), Burgenland is increasingly creating a dense, flexible mobility network that guarantees optimal connections even without a car. With new e-charging infrastructure, cycle paths and the expansion of flexible mobility services, Burgenland is showing that rural regions can also become the driving force behind the mobility transition in the VIENNA REGION.
Power Region - The VIENNA REGION is a driver of innovation in the heart of Europe
Together, Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland form one of the most dynamic and innovative regions in Europe - the VIENNA REGION. As a true ‘power region’, companies, research institutions and residents benefit from the close cooperation between administration, science and business. The VIENNA REGION is a prime example of how intelligent, sustainable urban and regional development leads to real locational advantages - both economically and ecologically.
The close networking of research, business and the public sector creates a unique locational advantage: companies benefit from an innovative environment that specifically promotes new business models and technologies.
Start-ups find perfect conditions to test their ideas in real-life scenarios here. Residents enjoy an outstanding quality of life and sustainable mobility.
Lighthouses for resilient cities 2040
In order to prepare Austria's cities for future challenges, the project series ‘Lighthouses for resilient cities 2040’ was launched in 2022. This initiative aims to promote innovative solutions for urban development and focuses on three key areas:
1. adapting public spaces to climate change: redesigning urban open spaces to make cities more resilient to climatic changes.
2. resilient settlement development in existing neighbourhoods: The modernisation and adaptation of existing residential areas should increase their resilience.
3. social innovation & participation as a driver of sustainable urban development: sustainable development processes in cities are to be driven forward by involving the population and promoting social innovation. With this comprehensive strategy, Austria is proactively addressing future changes and serving as a role model for other countries by recognising both risks and opportunities and acting accordingly.
This makes the VIENNA REGION one of the most sought-after locations for companies, start-ups and skilled workers looking for a future-proof, sustainable and at the same time economically strong environment.
Why the VIENNA REGION stands out as a smart city hub
The VIENNA REGION skilfully combines urban innovation and rural sustainability into a holistic concept. Projects such as aspern Seestadt, WienMobil, Smart City Ebreichsdorf and act4.energy impressively demonstrate how modern life can be designed to be sustainable, efficient and convenient.
The VIENNA REGION proves that innovative concepts can be successfully implemented not only in large cities, but also in smaller towns and rural areas.
As a power region in the heart of Europe, the countries of the VIENNA REGION (Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland) are thus jointly setting standards in the areas of sustainable urban planning, future-oriented mobility and digitalisation - thereby strengthening their position as a leading location for future-oriented companies and a qualified workforce.
Companies, start-ups and talented individuals who are focussing on innovation today will find the perfect environment in the VIENNA REGION to set new standards for a sustainable and smart future.
It is therefore no coincidence that this region is recognised internationally as a leading smart city hub - a real ‘power hub’ that shows the whole of Europe what an innovative, sustainable future can look like.
Take advantage of the unique innovation landscape of the VIENNA REGION and bring your ideas to market in a dynamic environment!
Let me give you nine reasons why you should set up your headquarters in the Vienna Region:
- it is part of the 4th richest country of the European Union
- a high quality of life at affordable prices
- Excellent, highly-developed infrastructure
- highly qualified workforce
- outstanding spending capacity of customers
- home to many international companies, universities as well as research facilities
- direct access to South East and Eastern Europe
- high level of personal security, political stability and legal certainty
- an international as well as cosmopolitan region due to a population with migration background
