Round Table: Governance for Smart Societies: Policy, Trust, and Urban Data

As cities become increasingly digital and data-driven, the challenge is no longer just technological — it is about trust, governance, and accountability. This roundtable will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts to explore frameworks for governing smart societies, from AI regulation to urban data ethics. Participants will debate how to balance innovation with citizen protection, ensure resilient cybersecurity, and design governance models that enable inclusive, secure, and sustainable digital cities. 

Key Themes: 

• Reframing governance for smart societies: from technology deployment to ethical stewardship.
• Ensuring transparency and accountability in the collection and use of urban data.
• Designing adaptive regulatory frameworks for AI, IoT, and automated decision systems.
• Advancing cybersecurity and digital sovereignty within national and municipal infrastructures.
• Promoting inclusive, human-centered digital cities that safeguard citizen rights.
• Strengthening academic–policy–industry collaboration to advance ethical innovation.