Porto is located in the north of Portugal and is one of the oldest European cities. While the city is home to around 235 000 inhabitants, its metropolitan area has around 1.7 million inhabitants. The city has a rich historical and cultural heritage. Its historic centre is even recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also a tourism hotspot and has been chosen as top destinations in 2014 and 2017 by European Best Destinations.  

The city initiated its digital transition in 2005 with the Porto Digital project, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. It aimed to use digital technologies to improve citizens’ quality of life through enhanced access to online services and by digitalising administrative services. 

Since then, the municipality has put in place a broader digital strategy to develop its public services, enhance the city’s attractiveness to entrepreneurs, reduce social exclusion and increase sustainability. Its priorities are related to data and wireless communications, as the basis for an active innovation ecosystem and the development of new services for citizens, visitors and tourists. 

Porto aims to become a local hub for social innovation and digital technologies while enhancing its sustainability.