COP 9 Deep-Dive Webinar: Exploring Data-Driven and Digital Governance in Hamburg and Osaka

On 15 April, the IURC Community of Practice on Data-driven and Digital Governance (CoP9) held a deep-dive webinar, where Osaka (Japan) and Hamburg (Germany) shared their approaches to digital and data-driven urban development.

Digital Strategy Hamburg

Hamburg presented its digital strategy, emphasising a strong people-first approach to digital transformation. The strategy, now in its third edition, positions digitalisation as the default while ensuring it serves citizens, and is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A key milestone was the 2012 Transparency Act, which established open data as the default and laid the foundation for an integrated urban data platform. Data is treated as a core driver of decision-making and innovation, supported by a standardised and interoperable system.

Building on this, Hamburg is advancing towards Urban Digital Twins—interconnected models that support data-driven urban planning. These tools enable the city to assess the impact of planning decisions and strengthen evidence-based policymaking.

Re-Design Osaka

Osaka City presented its DX strategy, “Re-Design Osaka,” outlining its vision to become a “Data Infrastructure City” under the 2040 Urban/Community DX Promotion Plan. The strategy emphasises the integration of data from both government and residents to support more efficient, evidence-based policymaking, supported by a structured framework of mission, vision, and strategic guidelines.

A key feature of the approach is its collaborative governance model. Osaka works with private vendors and external experts, while the city government coordinates implementation across departments and stakeholders. This enables the development and management of urban systems while maintaining alignment across different projects and actors.

To support this, Osaka is advancing a citywide data platform and strengthening data governance across the full lifecycle. The city is also promoting digital innovation through initiatives such as its in-house generative AI system “Oasis” and digital twin projects, including flood simulations and a 3D model in the Umekita district, contributing to more data-driven urban management.

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As the second webinar following previous sessions with Barcelona, Incheon, and Kaohsiung, this session marked the conclusion of Activity 1, providing an opportunity for cities to better understand each other’s approaches and shared challenges. Participants expressed anticipation for the next activity on stakeholder mapping, which will further support collaboration across cities. 

Written by Yejin Lee, Project Associate in CityNet, IURC Korean Helpdesk

(korea.helpdesk@iurc.eu)