The three-day visit (19-21 April 2023) visit was organised as part of the “Local Development” Programme delivered by the Association of Polish Cities. On day one, delegates were received by Vice-Mayor of Kielce Agata Wojda, and Secretary of the Municipal Authority of Kielce Szczepan Skorupski.

The Association of Polish Cities has been backing Polish cities and towns for years in the experience exchange area, fostering their institutional and operational maturity. The multitude of organised endeavours includes the building of the EMPIRIAE – Experience Exchange Network, as part of the “Local Development” Programme financed under the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism for the years 2014-2021.

Kielce was visited by representatives of the Association of Polish Cities and the cities and towns of Zabrze, Hrubieszów, Świdwin and Jasło. “The city of Kielce is a leading Polish centre of integrated digitisation implementations, in particular in areas of spatial and zoning information management, urban management, and civic participation. Smart city solutions successful in the city of Kielce (such as the Municipal Spatial Information System and the Idea Kielce portal) are now recognised good practices”, said Association of Polish Cities representative Grzegorz Dudzik. “Hence the notion of organising this next meeting of our Network members in Kielce. We are grateful for observing the practice of how aforesaid solutions and the Smart City Office work, for the opportunity of learning from you during workshops, and for being able to find out more about the city’s qualities,” Grzegorz Dudzik remarked.

“Each local government has its unique advantages. We chose the smart city concept as our forte, and are developing dynamically in the field. Our priorities include working with data, getting local residents involved in urban life, and encouraging them to use reliable, professionally prepared city-centred data. We attach great significance to education and staying open to local residents. We are happy to be able to share valuable related experiences with you today. I wish you fruitful workshops, and a pleasant stay in our city,” said Vice-Mayor of Kielce Agata Wojda.

When in Kielce, guests were introduced to the workings of the Smart City Office, chiefly in terms of data management through the Spatial Information System and Idea Kielce gateway. They visited the Kielce Technology Park, GeoEducation centre, and Communication Centre with the in-house Media Library.

Notably, the EMPIRIAE – Experience Exchange Network has been formed as part of the “Local Development” Programme implemented by the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy within the framework of the 3rd edition of Norway and European Economic Area Grants.