Across Europe and beyond, public sector leaders are under pressure to deliver more with less. Budgets are tight. Expectations are high. And legacy systems can’t keep up. That’s where AI moves beyond buzzwords and becomes a practical tool for improving daily operations and enhancing citizen experiences.

The challenge: Growing demands, limited resources

City governments and public service teams face a familiar set of problems:

• Services under strain from growing populations
• Slow or reactive response times
• Data stuck in silos across departments
• Difficulty engaging citizens in meaningful ways

But it’s no longer enough to digitise old systems. Today’s cities need to predict needs, adapt quickly, and personalise services. AI helps make that shift possible.

Our perspective: AI can unlock efficiency and empathy

When applied with purpose, AI helps municipalities do two things better:

1. Improve decision-making and resource allocation

AI agents can analyse vast amounts of data—from traffic sensors to emergency call volumes—and recommend where to direct services next. For example:

• Dynamic traffic light systems reduce congestion based on real-time flow.
• Predictive maintenance avoids expensive repairs to water pipes or roads.
• Emergency response teams get smart routing suggestions to cut arrival times.

2. Strengthen citizen engagement

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can answer routine questions 24/7—from bin collection schedules to parking permits—freeing up staff to handle more complex queries.
Natural language processing also helps analyse citizen feedback to spot recurring issues or areas for improvement.

Real-World AI Applications

1. Gdynia – Intelligent Traffic Management
   Gdynia has implemented the TRISTAR intelligent road traffic management system, which utilises AI to optimise traffic flow and reduce congestion. This system integrates data from various sources to enable real-time decision-making, thereby improving urban mobility and reducing emissions. Wikipedia
   
2. Katowice – Centralised Video Monitoring for Public Safety
   In Katowice, an advanced video management platform centralises monitoring across the city, enhancing security and coordinating services. This AI-driven system enables real-time analysis and rapid response to incidents, thereby contributing to a safer urban environment. Milestone Systems
   
3. Kraków – Demand-Responsive Public Transport
   Kraków operates “Tele-Bus,” Poland’s first demand-responsive transport scheme. This AI-based system adjusts routes and schedules in real-time based on passenger demand, increasing efficiency and accessibility of public transportation. Wikipedia+1Medium+1
   
4. Bielsko-Biała – AI in Energy Management
   Bielsko-Biała has established an Energy Management Bureau that utilises AI to monitor and manage energy consumption across the city. This initiative has led to significant improvements in energy efficiency and reductions in emissions. Wikipedia
   
5. Gdynia – Open Data and Urban Lab Initiatives
   Gdynia publishes over 200 datasets related to the city’s functioning on its Open Data portal, facilitating transparency and citizen engagement. The city’s Urban Lab fosters collaboration between residents, experts, and city officials to co-create AI-driven solutions for urban challenges. Wikipedia

What’s next? Smarter doesn’t mean colder

The most successful smart cities will be those that strike a balance between automation and empathy. AI is not about removing the human touch. It’s about giving people in public service better tools, faster insights, and more time to focus on what matters.

Ready to explore how AI could support your organisation?

Let’s talk about how to move from pilots to practical impact—with the right data, partners, and governance in place.

Contact our experts at Holisticon Insight.

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