April 8–9, 2025 | Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
The inspiring international conference “How to Build Innovative and Open Self-Government?” brought together experts, public leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts to explore the future of local governance through the lens of innovation, participation, and sustainable development.
Held in the historic Cikker Hall of Banská Bystrica City Hall, the event created a vibrant space for discussion and exchange of practical experience between representatives of municipalities, academia, civil society, and the private sector.
Spotlight on ITHACA: Cities Driving Change with Digital Tools
The ITHACA Project was proud to be featured during the interactive session “Technologies for the Future: Inspirations from Our Cities”, organized by GLOBSEC in partnership with the City of Banská Bystrica.
🔹 The City of Martin, one of ITHACA’s active partner cities, presented the project’s approach to using Artificial Intelligence to enhance citizen engagement and participatory democracy. The session showcased how digital tools can support trust-building and more responsive governance in Slovak cities and beyond.
Collaboration, Innovation, and Openness
Across the two-day conference, participants exchanged insights and explored how local governments can effectively adapt to today’s fast-changing environment through innovation, openness, and cooperation across sectors.
The event served as a powerful reminder that empowering communities and embracing technological progress go hand-in-hand in shaping the self-government of the future.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to the organisers and supporters of the event:
🔹 City of Banská Bystrica (Participation & Innovation in Open Governance / OGP Local)
🔹 Faculty of Economics, Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica
🔹 With support from: GLOBSEC | Institute for Active Living | Centre for Community Organizing
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Europe Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
