Andrus Hansen

In a situation where many cities in the world are arms racing with technology to become “smart”, Tartu has always set its focus towards people. Understanding the needs of our citizens is utmost. Tartu embodies wisdom and therefore boasts an excellent climate for business. We want to become part of the global economy and culture, but at the same time maintain our core values - greenery, compactness and safety. The Tartu Language of Smartness is a way of thinking we need to spread across our community members and also outside of this wonderful city. This gives us the possibility to create the best city to live in. Smart City Tartu lies on six pillars: governance, mobility, economy, environment, people and living. Whether it’s participatory governance or participative budgeting, we have opened the decision processes to our citizens and also act as a testbed for innovative technological solutions around the city. Tartu has a strong and prosperous community with various incubators, research institutions and the startup ecosystem. Companies value our open business environment and scientific entrepreneurship; people our greenery, milieu and living environment. We have always been at the forefront of adapting technology – in 2019, the city introduced a data-based public transportation network along with a new bicycle network with electrical rental bikes.