What is Datapolis?
In Datapolis, you will find ideas and insights about how data and innovation can keep cities thriving.
Innovation and cities are closely linked. Cities make us more innovative, and innovation can improve urban life.
I explore these issues, with a bias towards one of the most frequently forgotten characters in the urban-innovation play: city government.
In Datapolis you will find my own writing, as well as interviews, regular newsletters, interesting databases, and other resources. I hope these will be helpful for those working for and in cities, as well as for those studying cities and their governments.
If you are none of those but you are still passionate about cities, I hope you’ll find Datapolis interesting - and enjoyable - too!
About my creative process
For me, writing is a way thinking. Not all the things that I write here are fully formed. Actually, none of they are, and I hope this platform helps me sharpen these ideas, so consider all of this a “work in progress”. I also publish academic research, but there are other outlets for that kind of writing and creation process. I may, however, occasionally post pieces describing my research.
When I write on Datapolis, I use various AI tools in my writing process: to brainstorm ideas, to gather facts, to generate drafts, to edit, and to get constructive criticisms on my takes. This use is so integral to my thinking process in this platform that is difficult to make concrete attributions regarding this or the other line. If you want me to clarify anything or provide a concrete source that you miss, do let me know.
I do consider all the posts published here to be my own creation, but ultimately, what I want is my readers to judge me on the quality and value they get from what they read.
If an AI gives you better value, or if you do not find anything different here, I am at peace with it.
Let’s build a community together
Engaging with AI is great, but the best way to learn and make changes in the world is by working with other humans. Above all else, I hope Datapolis will help me connect with kindred spirits interested in harnessing data and innovation to improve city life.
If you are one of us, please do reach out and share ideas. We can build a community together!
