#113 Biel/Bienne: How Digital Foundations Enable Meaningful Innovation

In this episode, Barthélémy Rochat, Chief Digital Officer of the City of Biel/Bienne, shares insights into the city’s digital transformation journey and its unique identity as a bilingual, industrial, and highly liveable urban centre. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of digital innovation in Switzerland’s federal system, highlighting the importance of collaboration, structured governance, and citizen-centric solutions. Rochat also introduces his vision for the Internet of Places, a concept aimed at delivering hyperlocal, real-time information to residents where and when they need it. Tune in for a deep dive into smart city strategies, breaking silos in public administration, and the balance between structure and innovation in the digital age.   Overview of the Episode: [00:02:02] Teaser Question: “If Biel/Bienne were an animal, which animal would it be and why?”   [00:03:27] Our guest’s background: Barthélémy Rochat shares his journey from studying mathematics and physics to becoming Chief Digital Officer of Biel/Bienne.   [00:04:39] Introduction to Biel/Bienne, highlighting its bilingual nature, strong watchmaking industry, and high quality of life.   [00:06:56] State of digital transformation in Biel/Bienne, including the challenges and progress in structuring digital governance across departments.   [00:08:00] Switzerland’s positioning in the global digital landscape, discussing the impact of federalism on digital innovation and the balance between stability and speed.   [00:10:47] Balancing digital transformation and quick wins by setting digital foundations for meaningful innovation.   [00:13:05] Measuring success in digital transformation by breaking silos, building trust, and creating a structured product portfolio.   [00:15:09] The paradox of structure and innovation, exploring whether governance limits agility and how procurement reform plays a role.   [00:17:05] Challenges in innovation and procurement, examining the time it takes to implement new solutions and the bureaucratic hurdles of public funding approvals.   [00:19:26] Best and worst advice on innovation. Best: “There’s always a solution, but not always the one you prefer.” Worst: “Don’t move”—highlighting bureaucratic inertia in public administration.   [00:22:37] Remaining challenges in digital transformation, focusing on the importance of people, processes, and culture over tools.   [00:25:28] The Internet of Places concept, a new paradigm for providing hyperlocal, real-time information to citizens.   [00:31:44] Innovation frameworks and the risk of buzzwords, introducing a minimalist approach to fostering meaningful innovation in public administration.   [00:35:35] Podcast Segment – “Roll with the Punches”, a quick-fire “this or that” challenge revealing Rochat’s perspectives on key smart city topics.   [00:38:08] Ending Question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”   [00:40:13] Final thoughts and wrap-up.