In this episode, Remigijus Šimašius, former Mayor of Vilnius and Minister of Justice of Lithuania, shares his journey from legal academia and policy advocacy to leading one of Europe’s most progressive cities. The conversation explores how data transparency and lived urban experience shape inclusive, practical leadership, highlighting the importance of open governance, civic dialogue, and regulatory innovation. Remigijus discusses the challenges of fostering sustainable urban growth, the role of smart tools in public service, and the delicate balance between regulation and innovation in building truly smart, equitable communities.

Episode Overview

[00:02:00] Teaser Question: “If Vilnius was an animal, which animal would it be and why?”

[00:03:27] Our guest’s background

[00:07:23] Strategies for combating corruption and fostering transparency

[00:09:53] Examples of innovative regulatory approaches in city governance

[00:13:36] Balancing innovation with effective regulation

[00:16:50] From talk to action: implementing change in public service

[00:18:35] Reflections on decisions made as mayor

[00:20:42] Advice for new mayors and aligning with community vision

[00:23:01] Current urban challenges in Vilnius and needed tools for change

[00:29:54] Regulation wisdom: flexibility, context, and impact

[00:33:10] Podcast Segment: Inspiring story or quote

[00:39:52] Ending Question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

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