The Urban Analytics Lab uses advanced data analytics to solve society's most complex urban challenges - from acute traffic problems to long-term climate change adaptation. We met Jorge Gil, a researcher at the lab,who makes sure smart data makes a real difference.

Why should you cooperate with Urban Analytics Lab?

The Urban Analytics Lab offers cutting-edge expertise in data analytics and decision support tools for urban and regional issues. The Lab supports municipalities and other actors facing complex challenges where insights from data and models are crucial.

- We link the latest research and practice to solve real problems. Our starting point is always that it should be open and needs-driven," says Jorge Gil. "If you as a client need confidentiality, we can of course discuss it.

Who are the regular customers of Urban Analytics Lab?

- We collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders: Municipalities that need fast, concrete analysis to make decisions when time is short. Authorities with long-term, strategic issues at regional and national level. Industry seeking support in major infrastructure projects, energy supply or circular economy. This can be anything from building data models for the transition of energy systems to analyzing transport and circular flows in the city.

How cooperation works

A collaboration with Urban Analytics Lab always starts with a dialog.

- We meet and listen to what the challenges are. Then we help to understand the complex relationships that influence the decisions," says Jorge Gil. "It's often about asking the right questions, opening up data, and creating customized solutions that actually work. "Many solutions are about understanding the whole, not just individual parts.

Trends and foresight

A clear trend is that the amount of data is growing rapidly. It offers new opportunities but requires new infrastructures and tools to collect, analyze and use data in a meaningful way.

- "Digitization gives us new opportunities to understand and govern the city, but it also requires smart tools and deep knowledge to manage and use the information," says Jorge Gil. "Our role is to help create an overview and provide decision-makers with the right support in the transition towards sustainable cities.