MI4CITIZENS: Supporting Ethical and Effective Artificial Intelligence Governance in European Cities and Regions

Data solutions and IoTPrivacy and Safety

Status: Ongoing projects

MI4CITIZENS: Supporting Ethical and Effective Artificial Intelligence Governance in European Cities and Regions

The MI4CITIZENS project supports Riga and other European cities in developing safe, ethical, and effective artificial intelligence (AI) governance. The aim is to promote AI implementation based on transparency, reliability, and compliance with regulations, enhancing collaboration between institutions and businesses, developing new AI solutions, and providing more effective public services tailored to citizens’ needs.

The significance of the project for Riga
Artificial intelligence is becoming an essential part of urban development, but its implementation requires clear governance models. Like other European cities, Riga needs to ensure that AI is introduced safely, ethically, and with high data quality. The project helps mitigate risks related to inaccurate data, algorithmic bias, and data confidentiality, promoting the development of reliable and innovative AI solutions in the city.

Target of the project
The project’s goal is to develop and improve AI governance mechanisms that ensure safe, ethical, and effective AI implementation, enhance cooperation between AI ecosystems, and strengthen the capacity of institutions, businesses, and research institutes to develop and implement innovative AI solutions.

Benefits for citizens
✔ More reliable and high-quality AI solutions that improve public services
✔ Enhanced data security and privacy protection for citizens
✔ Innovative and user-friendly public services tailored to citizens’ needs

Project activities
✔ Develop and refine AI governance models ensuring data quality and security
✔ Foster knowledge and experience exchange among European cities on AI implementation
✔ Develop solutions to improve data integration and quality, reducing AI project risks
✔ Organize expert cooperation to address AI challenges, including algorithmic bias and data confidentiality issues

Project results
✔ Improved AI governance models promoting safe and ethical AI integration
✔ Strengthened cooperation between the municipality, businesses, and research institutions in the AI field
✔ Increased institutional capacity to implement and develop AI solutions

Funding, duration, and partners
Funding source: Interreg Europe program
Total project budget: 1 763 370 EUR
Total budget for Riga:
EU funding for Riga Municipality: 164 728 EUR (80%)
Co-financing by Riga Municipality: 41 182 EUR (20%)

Duration: : 01.04.2024.-30.06.2028

Project partners: The project’s lead partner is the City of Tampere (Finland), with cooperation partners including the City of Helsinki (Finland), Riga Digital Agency (Latvia), Municipality of Amsterdam (Netherlands), City of Turin in the Piedmont region (Italy), City Council of Bakeu (Romania), and the Bucharest Development Agency (Romania).

Contact information
Inga Barisa
Riga Digital agency
E-mail: Inga.Barisa@riga.lv
Aija Vule
Riga Digital agency
E-mail: Aija.Vule@riga.lv

Links to further resources
MI4Citizens – Supporting ethical and effective AI governance in European cities and regions | Interreg Europe