Design of a UIA for the digital transformation of Alcobendas through multi-sector collaboration

How to improve public services for citizens through digitalization, by leveraging the potential of Spain’s second-largest hub of cutting-edge technology companies. Together with the City Council, we defined the Alcobendas Collaborative Urban Solutions Lab (ALCOLAB) project, submitting its candidacy to the fourth Urban Innovative Action (UIA) call under the Digital Transition topic.

THE CHALLENGE

Alcobendas sought to enhance public services through digitalization. The challenge was to capture and harness local technological potential to rethink business and collaboration models, boost digital entrepreneurship, and develop innovative urban solutions through public-private collaboration.

THE SOLUTION

In collaboration with the Alcobendas City Council, City Focus and other local and sectoral stakeholders, four agile laboratories are established around four cutting-edge technologies: 5G and Blockchain, led by Telefónica; IoT, led by INDRA; Artificial Intelligence, led by NEC; and Virtual and Extended Reality, led by Nokia. These are integrated into an Urban Solutions Lab to prototype and pilot projects addressing urban challenges such as communication with citizens, technologies for the elderly, sustainable urban mobility, and public employment services.