CDOA
Academia for Smart City Chief Data Officers
Academia for Smart City Chief Data Officers (CDOA) is an international project in the higher education sector, co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme (KA220-HED – Cooperation Partnerships in Higher Education).
The project runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2028, and its coordinator is the Poznań University of Economics and Business (PUEB). The total lump-sum budget of the project is EUR 400,000.
Why was CDOA created?
More and more cities in Europe – including small and medium-sized ones – use:
- spatial and urban data,
- AI tools and data analytics,
- IoT systems supporting mobility, energy, environment and public services.
At the same time, there is a shortage of specialists who can translate complex urban data into concrete decisions and public policies, and who are able to guide cities through digital and green transitions.
CDOA addresses this gap by creating a coherent, practice-oriented learning programme in which:
- urban data and AI are linked to real challenges of local governments,
- students and practitioners work with real cases from cities,
- universities cooperate with cities, organisations and technology companies.
Target groups
The CDOA project is aimed at six main groups:
Students and teaching staff – especially in programmes related to data analysis, public policies, urban planning, management and smart cities.
Universities and research institutions – developing programmes in digital transformation, sustainable development and urban governance.
Public authorities and decision-makers – responsible for planning, managing and implementing smart city solutions at the local level.
Chief Data Officers and data practitioners in smart cities – current and future leaders responsible for data management in local administrations.
Business and technology partners – companies and organisations supporting the development of digital tools and smart city solutions.
Civil society organisations – working on urban development, environment and citizen engagement.