Publications
From Waste to Wealth: School Composting Projects as a Path to Healthy Soil and Ecological Awareness
This article examines how school composting projects can address organic waste challenges while enhancing soil health and promoting environmental literacy. Based on an EU-funded citizen science initiative in Serbia, it shows how schools can become living laboratories for sustainability. The project demonstrates how education, science, and circular practices can work together at the local level.
Read MoreFrom Waste to Wealth: School Composting Projects as a Path to Healthy Soil and Ecological AwarenessAir Pollution in Serbian Cities: Sources, Health Risks, and Ways to Improve Urban Air Quality
This article examines air pollution in Serbian cities with a focus on changes in pollutant composition, dominant emission sources, and associated health risks. Using examples from major urban centers, it highlights how particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ground-level ozone interact to create complex urban air pollution patterns. The paper also outlines policy-relevant pathways for restoring urban air quality through energy transition, sustainable transport, and integrated environmental monitoring.
Read MoreAir Pollution in Serbian Cities: Sources, Health Risks, and Ways to Improve Urban Air QualityAI-Powered Intelligent Transportation: How Changzhou Is Building a “Smooth City” System
Changzhou, Jiangsu province, China leverages AI to advance its intelligent transportation system. Key initiatives include the AI-driven “Cloud Bus,” which optimizes routes and reduces wait times, and smart toll stations that enable seamless, efficient vehicle passage. These efforts enhance public transport, cut costs, and improve urban mobility, supporting the city’s sustainable development goals.
Read MoreAI-Powered Intelligent Transportation: How Changzhou Is Building a “Smooth City” SystemThe New Energy Frontline:Energy Resilience in Central and Eastern Europe (II).
The second part of the article examines how cities shape energy resilience in Central and Eastern Europe, from managing rising demand to addressing energy poverty. It explores what local governments need — in policy, funding, and coordination — to turn urban energy systems into pillars of regional security.
Read MoreThe New Energy Frontline:Energy Resilience in Central and Eastern Europe (II).The New Energy Frontline: Energy Resilience in Central and Eastern Europe (I)
Central and Eastern Europe is once again on the energy frontline, caught between aging infrastructure, geopolitical pressure, and the urgency of climate transition. This article explores how energy resilience in Central and Eastern Europe is being tested and where progress, policy gaps, and innovation collide. It opens a broader conversation about what the region must do next to secure its energy future.
Read MoreThe New Energy Frontline: Energy Resilience in Central and Eastern Europe (I)The Era of Now: NVIDA’s Charbel Aoun on Enabling Cities to Build Their Own AI Capability
In this interview, NVIDIA’s Charbel Aoun explains why the future of urban AI depends not on adopting more tools, but on building local capability, data sovereignty, and long-term talent. He shares how cities can move from fragmented pilots to responsible, human-centric AI systems that deliver measurable public value.
Read MoreThe Era of Now: NVIDA’s Charbel Aoun on Enabling Cities to Build Their Own AI CapabilityHow Noise and Air Pollution Shape Healthier Cities: Interview with Milica Raičković
In this interview, Milica Raičković discusses how noise and air pollution affect public health and urban quality of life across Serbia and the Western Balkans. Drawing on insights from a major regional conference, she explains why systematic monitoring, interdisciplinary planning, and data-driven decision-making are essential for healthier cities.
Read MoreHow Noise and Air Pollution Shape Healthier Cities: Interview with Milica RaičkovićSustainable Holiday Celebrations in Cities: From Christmas Trees to Smart Urban Solutions
Holiday celebrations are placing growing pressure on urban environments through increased waste, energy consumption, and air pollution. This article examines the environmental implications of festive traditions, ranging from Christmas trees to fireworks, and demonstrates how sustainable holiday celebrations in cities can be promoted through intelligent technologies, data-driven planning, and informed consumer choices.
Read MoreSustainable Holiday Celebrations in Cities: From Christmas Trees to Smart Urban SolutionsSaaS Traffic Control in Xuchang: A New Model for Seamless Congestion Management
Xuchang (Henan province, China) tackled traffic congestion caused by surging tourism by implementing AI-powered SaaS traffic control system. This lightweight solution, deployed in two weeks at one-tenth the traditional cost, reduced intersection delays by 13.39% and improved rush hour speeds by 13-15%. Integrated smart parking further optimized mobility, demonstrating technology’s role in building efficient cities.
Read MoreSaaS Traffic Control in Xuchang: A New Model for Seamless Congestion ManagementHow Urban Data Governance in Europe Is Shaping the Future of Cities
This article examines how urban data governance in Europe is reshaping city development through regulatory frameworks, federated platforms, and mission-oriented data spaces. It explores how European cities leverage data to align climate, social, and digital objectives while addressing fragmentation, governance complexity, and uneven territorial capacities. The analysis highlights both the systemic potential and political challenges of scaling these models across Europe.
Read MoreHow Urban Data Governance in Europe Is Shaping the Future of Cities