The City of Riga invites cities, urban development experts, policymakers, researchers, businesses, startups, and innovation professionals from across Europe to participate in the Smart Cities Conference 2026, which will take place on 17 September 2026 in Riga, Latvia.
Now in its fifth year, the conference has become an important platform for sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and exploring practical solutions that support smarter, more resilient, and sustainable cities. This year’s edition will have a Baltic–Nordic focus, bringing together participants from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, and other European countries.
The main theme of the 2026 conference is: “What does it take to make urban innovation truly work?”
The event will examine how cities can move beyond strategies and pilot projects to achieve meaningful implementation of innovative solutions. Discussions will focus on strengthening governance models, building organizational capacity, fostering cross-sector cooperation, and scaling initiatives that address urban challenges while improving residents’ quality of life.
The conference program will feature expert presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities covering a range of topics related to urban innovation, including:
- Innovation governance and public sector transformation
- Collaboration between cities, industry, and academia
- Data, digital twins and digital transformation for better city management;
- Emerging technologies, autonomous mobility and future urban solutions.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of European cities, exchange knowledge with peers, and explore new opportunities for cooperation. The conference will also feature an Expo Area, where innovative companies and startups from across Europe will showcase solutions supporting sustainable urban development and smart city transformation.
The conference will be hosted at:
Riga Technical University – Domus Auditorialis
8 Zunda Embankment
Riga, Latvia
Participation in the conference is free of charge, but prior registration is required.
The organizers encourage interested colleagues working in the fields of innovation, digital transformation, smart city development, mobility, and urban transformation to join the event and take part in shaping the future of European cities.
More information:
Evita Jaunozola, evita.jaunozola@rtu.lv