Murska Sobota on the Path to Becoming a Smart City: Using Data Spaces for Better Planning and Public Services

The Municipality of Murska Sobota, in cooperation with the research center ITC Murska Sobota, is participating in the DS2 project, which addresses one of the key questions for the future of cities: How can data help us plan development more effectively and ensure higher-quality public services?

In DS2, partners from various European countries are developing data spaces—digital platforms where data from different sources is collected, integrated, and analyzed. In Murska Sobota, this involves connecting data on traffic, the environment, and public utilities, opening new opportunities for sustainable solutions, better resource management, and quicker responses to citizens’ needs.

Part of the project’s activities also includes concrete on-the-ground measures. In recent months, the municipality has already installed five air quality sensors, with an additional ten planned by the summer. These sensors are distributed across various city districts and local communities and will serve as an important source of information for monitoring environmental conditions. The collected data will form the basis for designing effective and targeted measures to improve air quality and enhance the overall living conditions in the municipality.

All collected data will be integrated into a shared database accessible to municipal departments and other stakeholders. This will enable more informed decision-making and the implementation of targeted measures backed by real data from the local environment.

The DS2 project thus marks a new chapter in the digitalization of local governance. By connecting data and introducing smart solutions, Murska Sobota will be better equipped to tackle the challenges of sustainable development and ensure a higher quality of life for its residents.