Kassel: On the way to becoming a social-digital city

Kassel may be the city of the Brothers Grimm, but digitalization is no fairy tale here. The city in northern Hesse is transforming into a vibrant digital testing ground where technology and social participation go hand in hand. But what really makes a city “smart”? For Dr. Carsten Mauritz from the Smart Kassel office, the answer is clear: “It's the people and their ability to seize digital opportunities and actively shape the future.”

Kassel has been on the road to becoming a smart city since 2018. “For us, digitalization is not a single project, but a strategic and cross-departmental field of action with internal and external effects.” This understanding led to the city's application and successful acceptance into the federal funding program “Model Projects Smart Cities” in 2020.

“That was the starting signal for a comprehensive digital transformation, which has since gained noticeable momentum,” says Mauritz. The aim is not only to introduce new technologies, but rather to improve the quality of life of citizens in the long term and actively involve the urban community.

Diverse projects make Kassel smart and livable

The city of Kassel is not starting from scratch on its journey to becoming a smart city. On the contrary, Kassel's smart city strategy builds on numerous preparatory efforts throughout the urban community. The range of smart city initiatives in Kassel is impressive.

One highlight is the Kassel-based start-up VELI. The start-up has developed an innovative home emergency call system that automatically sends a call for help in an emergency. The AI accesses existing water and electricity meters – without cameras or motion detectors. If the tap remains open for an unusually long time or no electricity is consumed, VELI automatically sends a call for help.

The networkers of the North Hesse Media Competence Network reach thousands of people every year – from kindergarten children to senior citizens. They promote not only technical skills but also media literacy so that everyone can use digital content safely and confidently.

With the smartPAPER app, developed by two teachers at the Arnold Bode School, learners can assess their own skills and expand their knowledge in a targeted manner. The PIKSL Lab in Kassel offers free help so that everyone, especially those with little digital experience or disabilities, can participate in the digital world.

Another key issue is the energy transition: SoLocal Energy enables people in Kassel to actively contribute to the use of renewable energies and thus jointly promote a climate-neutral energy supply.

An overview of these and other urban society projects is available on the website.

Technology and social participation – a joint approach

“For us, a smart city is more than just technology,” emphasizes Dr. Mauritz. “Technology alone is not enough. Digitalization must not lead to the exclusion of individuals or entire population groups, but should facilitate participation for as many people as possible, break down barriers, and strengthen social cohesion.” That is why Kassel is consistently focusing on its “social smart” profile.

An important component of this is training courses in neighborhood centers, which promote digital skills locally. Since mid-2024, around 400 participants have benefited from the free courses. They cover topics such as data security, AI, gaming, device operation, and digital content.

The innovative project “smart age mobile” complements these offerings. The vehicle provides information about digital topics in the neighborhood and invites young people, families, and seniors alike to try things out.

Smart City Kassel has a vision of a city where everyone can confidently navigate digital opportunities, regardless of age, education, or social background.

What other cities can learn from Kassel

Dr. Mauritz offers clear advice: “Every city must first ask itself: What challenges do we want to solve with digitalization? Technology is the answer, but what is the question?”

To this end, Kassel has developed a strategy guide that can serve as orientation and guidance for other municipalities in their own smart city development. “We don't just want to work for ourselves, we want to be a role model and a source of inspiration.”

The strategy comprises five flagship projects:

• Smart Welcome City: data platforms and digital twins for greater connectivity
• Smart City goes Citizen: digital participation and attractive neighborhood centers
• Smart Safe Mobility: AI technologies for greater traffic safety
• Smart Ecosystem Services: Environmental and climate monitoring with sensors
• Smart H2 Quarters: Future technologies and next-generation energy systems

A smart city is a continuous process

When asked when Kassel will be “smart,” Mauritz replies: “A smart city is not a finished project, but a constant process of change.” The Smart Kassel strategy sees itself as a “living document” that is adapted to new conditions. This includes negotiation processes and open dialogue with the urban community.

“In Kassel's understanding, it is above all the people who make a city smart,” says Mauritz. “How confidently they deal with the digital world and actively shape their city—that is the key to success.”