Exchange visit of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area to the City of Osaka – June 8 to 9, 2026

The visit by the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) to Osaka City took place in June 2026, following an information-sharing webinar in which CoP member cities presented their respective digital transformation strategies, as well as a stakeholder-mapping exercise conducted between January and May. Cities participating in CoP 9 (Data-Driven Digital Governance) share the goal of using data and digital technologies to improve urban decision-making and public services. At the same time, they also face common challenges related to governance and organizational structures. The main challenges are: (1) building digital governance and institutional capacity that go beyond isolated pilot projects; (2) improving data management so that data can be accessed, interoperated, and shared ethically; and (3) narrowing the gap between the potential for data use and actual decision-making in areas such as urban planning. In addition, when introducing digital tools and AI, it is necessary to ensure transparency and accountability and to strengthen citizens’ trust. The study visit was designed to showcase Osaka City’s approach to addressing the shared challenges described above.

Information Exchange on Digital Governance starts off the visit

The study visit commenced with an exchange of views between the delegation from the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) and Osaka City. The discussion centered on data-driven cities and digital governance, with both parties presenting their respective experiences and challenges related to digital transformation. Osaka City introduced its Digital Transformation (DX) Strategy, launched in March 2023. In accordance with this strategy, Osaka has established comprehensive data-sharing rules governing collection, processing, registration, transfer and exchange, updating, and disposal procedures to ensure secure, cross-departmental data sharing.

In addition, Osaka City reported that its internally developed generative AI environment has been operational since April 2024, enabling staff to use AI for text generation, summarization, and speech generation. In response to Osaka’s presentation, the Barcelona delegation shared its approach to AI security, including the provision of secure AI tools alongside employee training on data protection.

The session included technical discussions on data governance strategies, stakeholder engagement, and the elimination of data silos. It enabled both cities to learn from one another while recognizing that they faced similar challenges in integrating solutions from multiple vendors and managing heterogeneous data formats.

Site visit to Osaka’s new project to create an urban green oasis

Following the exchange, the AMB delegation visited the Grand Green Osaka Project, a large-scale development located in front of Osaka Station. The project encompasses a 45,000 m² urban park, as well as office space, internationally renowned hotels, and residential complexes. The project seeks to bring together not only corporations, but also creators, universities, and startups, within an open and vibrant environment that encourages interaction and collaboration. It also aims to serve as a forward-looking model district, using AI-enhanced cameras to analyze the movements of people who visit or work in the area. The site was previously occupied by the Umeda Freight Station (also known as the Umeda North Yard), which served as a railway logistics hub for 85 years. Approximately half of the　91,000m2 site , known as the “Umekita Phase 2” redevelopment, has been designated as an urban park and is planned to include trees representing roughly 320 species. The AMB delegation listened to the presentation of this new urban development with interest.

Site visit to Osaka City’s water utility management system

The AMB delegation visited Osaka Municipal Waterworks Bureau to observe the bureau’s remote monitoring system, which tracks real-time data on water pressure, flow rate, and water quality. They also received a demonstration of the city’s GIS-based pipe information and management system, which links to a database that supports the daily operations of the municipal waterworks department.

Osaka Metropolitan University’s campus serves as pilot for Ai-driven Building OS

Professor Ata explained to the AMB delegation that buildings represent the smallest elements within smart city concepts. By first enhancing individual buildings with smart capabilities, the approach can be scaled to support smart districts and, ultimately, fully integrated smart cities. A key element of this strategy is the creation of a smart Building Operating System (Building OS). The Building OS has various applications. The building visited by the AMB delegation is programmed to control appliances from different vendors that would otherwise operate on separate, proprietary platforms using a single application. The university has implemented this system in the Morinomiya Campus (13 floors; approximately 79,300 square meters), where the presentation was delivered.  Another campus in Nakamozu, is known for its’ Smart Energy Building initiatives (3 floors; approximately 3,000 square meters).

Osaka City’s disaster management system

OCDIS System: Development History and Architecture

A presentation on the Osaka City Disaster Information System (OCDIS) described the system’s evolution in response to challenges identified during earthquakes and typhoons in the past. The presenter detailed the current cloud-based architecture, which is accessible from computers across municipal offices, and outlined four principal functions:(1) Collection and Analysis of Disaster Information from INSIDE Osaka City, (2) Collection and Analysis of Disaster Information from OUTSIDE Osaka City, (3) Sharing Disaster Information across Departments, (4) Dissemination of Directives to Staff via the App. The system interfaces with Osaka Prefecture’s L-Alert network, which disseminates information to mass media outlets for use in television subtitles and other public communications. The presentation also noted that Japan maintains telecommunications provider–operated smartphone emergency alert systems for major incidents. In addition, Osaka City offers a dedicated application for residents to provide more localized information.

Technical Presentation of Osaka City’s Flood Simulation

A second presentation introduced Osaka City’s GIS-based flood simulation initiatives, including the legal requirements set forth under Japan’s Flood Control Act and the technical details of system implementation. The system models sewer pipes with diameters of 1,000 mm or larger, pumping stations, and discharge points using 20-meter non-standard grids, and evaluates scenarios such as rainfall exceeding drainage capacity as well as constraints within combined sewer-and-pumping system operations.

Barcelona Feedback and International Collaboration Discussion

Barcelona representatives provided comprehensive feedback from what they had seen during the two day visit. They praised Osaka’s data accuracy and systematic approach and extended an invitation for reciprocal knowledge sharing in Barcelona scheduled for late November. The visited ended in a friendly atmosphere.