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Szombathely, Hungary
Szombathely is a city located in western Hungary, close to the country’s border with Austria, and serves as the administrative centre of Vas County.
groups
City population
73,992
person
Member since
2024
Vision
The city’s Szombathely2030 plan emphasizes university growth, economic transition and digital competencies. The city’s ten-year vision involves collaborations with entities such as ELTE University and the University of Pécs to counter the challenge that digitization and automation poses to jobs, and to promote green and digital transitions.
We want to guarantee opportunities for lifelong learning, the possibility of development from childhood to old age.
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Mr András Nemény
Mayor of Szombathely
Policies, plan and implementation
Sustainability and health
Szombathely2030 emphasizes sustainable urban mobility and development, integrating resident consultation and training into its international projects. Its primary goals include establishing a health industry and promoting sustainable development. Additionally, participation in the National Academy of Sciences programme enhances health industry education.
Equity and inclusion
Szombathely integrates inclusion into its vision through the St Martin’s Equal Opportunities Support Programme, assisting talented, socially disadvantaged children. The Petz Scholarship aids high-performing students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, while the Pálos Károly Social Services Centre and Pannon Business Network offer digital skills training for older adults.
Decent work and entrepreneurship
The city promotes decent work and entrepreneurship through collaborations with the local Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship Centre. Support is provided to local non-governmental organizations and the annual Szombathely2030 start-up competition encourages innovative ideas from emerging start-ups.
Good practices
Digital technology and robotics activities
Over the past year, as part of a community-led local development (CLLD) project, the city’s cultural centre has hosted activities relating to digital technology and robotics, including humanoid and LEGO robot programming. Although the project officially ended in 2023, there are plans to continue these workshops in future.