A forward-looking pilot programme designed to integrate artificial intelligence into urban management has officially launched in Miskolc. The initiative aims to strengthen local economic development, improve education and digital competencies, and revitalize tourism with the help of advanced technologies.
At a press conference held on Wednesday in the city, Government Commissioner for Artificial Intelligence László Palkovics introduced the programme, with his remarks preceded by a short presentation by an AI-generated avatar modelled after him. Palkovics noted that Miskolc is currently the only Hungarian city actively pursuing data-driven governance.
He emphasized that the future depends largely on past experiences, and the data collected by municipal companies could serve as the foundation for planning the city’s development and operating its systems more efficiently through AI.
This initiative aligns with the Hungarian government’s broader vision, Palkovics added, pointing to AI-based governance as a key element of the national AI strategy first adopted in 2020. That vision includes managing Hungary’s data assets and developing a robust data economy. The government has revised the national AI strategy, and a final version of the updated roadmap is expected soon to guide developments over the coming year.
Key pillars of the strategy include the responsible management of data resources, establishing the technological infrastructure required, and creating support systems to drive implementation.
Palkovics underlined the importance of public dialogue around AI, asserting that when used responsibly, the technology brings only benefits. Echoing this vision, Mayor József Tóth-Szántai highlighted the need for Miskolc to reinvent itself—from a steel city to a smart city, and eventually into a nature-centred urban hub associated with the Bükk mountains. He suggested AI could play a critical role in improving public services such as city operations, safety, and public transportation. To ensure transparency and progress, Miskolc plans to host an annual conference on AI, where it will report on its goals and achievements.
President of the Dennis Gabor University (DGU) Ferenc Dietz also spoke at the event, stating that AI presents new opportunities not just for businesses but for communities and individuals as well. The university launched its AI Knowledge Centre in January, aiming to support people, businesses, and public institutions through research, application development, and education.
The event was moderated by ‘M.I.SKOLC’ (M.I. is AI in Hungarian), the city’s own AI-generated digital avatar. During the press conference, Palkovics, Tóth-Szántai, and Dietz signed a cooperation agreement on the AI model project. The initiative will involve collaboration between the city of Miskolc, the AI Knowledge Centre at DGU, and the Ministry of Energy.
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