Sille Sepp recently joined the FinEst Centre for Smart Cities’ team as the Head of Urban Data Ecosystems. We asked Sille to share more about her role, how data ecosystems relate to the development of smart cities, and the goals she has set for her daily work.
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Introducing New Head of Urban Data Ecosystems: Prioritising People in Data-Driven Cities
Published on 07.10.2024
Written by FinEst Centre for Smart Cities
Sille, please introduce yourself and your journey. How did you become interested in smart cities?
I am fascinated by the co-existence of a myriad of stakeholders and in the developments caused by their functioning (or lack thereof) in the urban environment. During the last years, I have focused more closely on the topics of digitalisation and data, and continuing my career path in the field of smart cities seemed like a natural choice.
As a graduate of Tallinn University’s urban governance programme, I am primarily interested in the social aspects of the continuous development of cities and communities. In particular, I’m focused on understanding the impact of (digital) technologies on city residents and society at large.
In today’s datafied and technology-driven societies, it is crucial to apply a human-centric mindset to innovation and development, and to use solutions available to us to truly empower people. In the past, I’ve worked towards this vision as part of the MyData Global team and the international MyData movement. In parallel, I have been following the FinEst Centre’s journey since its inception, and I’m glad to be able to contribute to its activities as of this spring.
You carry the role of the Head of Urban Data Ecosystems. What does it mean for the FinEst Centre, and what does your role mean in practice?
One of the defining features of a smart city is the meaningful use of data and technology to improve an urban environment and the living conditions of its people and organisations. To develop smart solutions, we need a large amount of high-quality data, which we do not necessarily have to collect ourselves. Instead, we can create partnerships with other organisations and companies to share data or data assets.
FinEst Centre has the potential to be a significant supporter and amplifier of such developments. We are currently at the beginning of this journey, but one of my goals is to develop capabilities and solutions in the centre to support the development of data ecosystems within a smart city context.
One of my most specific responsibilities is to manage the EU-funded project called European Data Space for Smart Communities in TalTech. Data spaces as such are one of the most exciting developments in this domain, aiming to support data sharing at scale, and the FinEst Centre plays a significant role in organizing the pilot program within the deployment of smart communities’ data space.
What attracts you to these activities?
A common thread in my professional life has been the desire to support people and organisations in creating value from data, doing so responsibly and fairly. Yet, this simple aim is not easy to achieve, as it depends on many factors, such as individuals’ and organisations’ data literacy, the availability of necessary technologies and data, and the ability to create sustainable cooperation and business models.
Joining the FinEst Centre allows me to continue this work in the context of cities, focusing on key areas such as citizens mobility and use of energy, but also proactive public services.
How do you see the future of smart cities, and what role could the FinEst Centre play in it?
Surely, there is a need for continuing research and innovation to improve existing technologies and propose new solutions. This said, there is also growing interest to better understand and design the reciprocal interactions of humans and technologies. Furthermore, the need for widespread data sharing is growing, especially considering the importance of high-quality data in the development of AI. However, it’s worth reminding that technology and data are still only means to achieving cities’ and communities’ bigger long-term goals.
Given ongoing urbanization and the climate crisis, the FinEst Centre has the opportunity and a responsibility to offer innovative solutions to cities in Estonia and abroad, helping to maintain and shape more livable urban environments.
What cooperation or partnership relations do you hope to establish in the coming months or years?
Although Estonia is a role model for public sector digitalisation, we have still a lot to learn from others regarding the digital development of the private sector and cities.
For example, we could seek relevant insights from Finland and its newly formed network called Data Spaces Alliance Finland whose members are actively implementing data space solutions. We also plan to increase our collaboration with the Open and Agile Smart Cities network, and possibly with cross-industry networks such as the Big Data Value Association.
There is also a promising network called Andmetarkuse võrgustik (Data Wisdom Network) emerging in Estonia, bringing together professionals across private and public sector organisations, to which I have had the pleasure to give a helping hand.
My overarching goal is to foster positive urban changes together with organisations, companies, and communities residing in a given city, by strengthening their data-based collaboration. Yet, cooperation starts with a common goal, which is always contextual.
Therefore, also we in the centre must start by clarifying each stakeholder’s interests in order to move towards specific partnerships. We will surely seek to continue collaborating with key parties related to mobility, energy, and the built environment.
What are the activities you enjoy in your free time?
As a typical computer and knowledge-based worker, I like to balance my workdays with creative activities where I can see immediate tangible results. For example, I enjoy cooking and gardening. I also try to give my brain a break with regular exercise.
Additionally, I have a great passion for music, both as a listener and performer, such as when singing in the mixed choir of Vox Populi.
Sille's hobbies include singing in the mixed choir of Vox PopuliGet in touch if you have any interest, ideas or questions about data ecosystems or data spaces projects!
Sille Sepp, sepp.sille@taltech.ee
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sille-sepp/
