Services that matter
Annual report of the Department of Service & Innovation 2024
Collaboration
In 2024, the Services and Innovation Division actively contributed to shaping and developing collaboration on digital transformation of public services through the Midsummer Committee (Jónsmessunefnd). The committee serves as a consultation platform between the state and municipalities, aiming to build trust and formality in communication, improve public administration, and strengthen mutual understanding of each party's needs and challenges.
Cooperation in digital reforms
The Midsummer Committee has appointed a working group to develop a future vision and proposals for effective cooperation between the state and municipalities on digital services. Reykjavík has played an active role as the largest municipality in the country and is a key partner in developing and implementing innovative solutions for the benefit of the public.
This collaboration aims to:
- Unite efforts to develop digital infrastructure for public services.
- Maximize efficiency by sharing solutions across jurisdictions.
- Streamline public access to services regardless of which level of government provides them.
Reykjavík's role
Reykjavík will continue to play a leading role in the digital transformation of municipalities and support the development of shared public services that benefit all residents of the country.
Participation in this collaboration supports:
- A joint digital transformation journey between municipalities and the national government.
- Simplified and more efficient public administration, with improved access and user-centered services.
- A strong consultation platform built on mutual trust and effective cooperation.
Public Sector Innovation Day
Reykjavík participated in the 2024 Public Sector Innovation Day, held on May 15. Birgir Lúðvíksson, Digital Transformation Lead, presented how Reykjavík uses Power Automate in a variety of projects, both large and small, and provided participants with insights into the system architecture and workflows of carefully selected projects.
Seoul Smart City Prize
In 2024, Reykjavík received a gold award in the Tech-InnovaCity category at the international Seoul Smart City Prize for the Better City for Children project. The award recognized innovative and effective digital transformation that has delivered better and more efficient services for children, young people, and their families in education and leisure services.
A Better City for Children
The Better City for Children project focuses on improved services. More services for children and youth should be available locally, appropriate support should be provided as soon as possible, and there should be tighter integration between the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of Welfare at the district service centers.
Services under the Better City for Children banner are already in use, and all applications now take place through a digital process on reykjavik.is. The project's digital solutions are under continuous development, and one of its key components—a digital record for each child—will be introduced in the city's first schools in January 2025.
Services that matter
According to the jury's rationale for the Smart City award, the new system has simplified application procedures, ensured secure data flow, and improved communication between parents, teachers, and specialists. Paper applications have been replaced with digital solutions, and intervention teams now provide early support within the child's environment. Taken as a whole, these changes have resulted in more efficient and higher-quality services.
Reykjavík at the forefront
The award was presented at a formal ceremony in Seoul in October 2024, where Alexandra Briem, City Council Member and Chair of Reykjavík's Digital Council, accepted it. The recognition highlights Reykjavík's leadership in the digital transformation of public services and demonstrates how innovation and technology can enhance the wellbeing of children and families in the city.
Smart City World Expo and Cities Coalition for Digital Rights
Representatives from the Department of Service and Innovation, along with Alexandra Briem, chair of the Digital Council, were invited to the Smart City World Expo in Barcelona in November 2024. This is the largest international conference on smart cities and digital innovation in urban environments, with over 25,000 attendees from 850 cities and 130 countries.
Alexandra was among the speakers at the CC4DR event "Digital Rights In Our Cities: From Challenges To Solutions" at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, where she shared Reykjavík's experience in strengthening digital services with a focus on transparency, accessibility, and residents' rights.
International network
Reykjavík's participation in SCEWC 2024 strengthened the city's connections with a global network of smart cities and innovation initiatives. It created opportunities to exchange experience, learn from others, and foster collaboration with cities that share similar goals for digital transformation and sustainable development. This participation underscores Reykjavík's commitment to leading in digital innovation and improving services for residents through technology and data-driven approaches.
Data-driven city
Inga Rós Gunnarsdóttir, Reykjavík's Chief Data Officer, also gave a presentation at the 2024 Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona. She took part in a panel discussion titled "Urban Digital Twins: What is at Stake for European Cities?" During the discussion, representatives from various cities explored the opportunities and challenges of using digital twin technology in European urban environments. Inga Rós shared Reykjavík's experience and emphasized the importance of data-driven approaches and interdepartmental collaboration to make effective use of the technology.