Participation is central to the development of the Smart City strategy. In practical terms this means: The urban society takes part and develops ideas together with the political institutions.

The process of strategy development is divided into two phases. In both stages of this open process, Berliners can actively contribute their ideas and preferences.

Phase 1: To summer 2021

The first stage of strategy development is the development of a strategic framework. This includes the following core aspects of the Smart City strategy:

• Basic Idea: Puts the vision of Smart City Berlin into words. Defines the orientation of Smart City Berlin and the basic values on which it is based.
• Principles: Define the “how” of the work on Smart City Berlin – and also how the city will develop. The principles are an important basis for the joint action of all those involved. 
• Objectives: Specify the direction in which Smart City Berlin will develop and what everyone is working on collectively.

The strategic framework will be formulated as early as 2021 and published in the summer. The first phase of the process includes various participation formats aimed at the whole of Berlin's urban society. They are implemented in the first months of the year. 

Phase 2: Summer 2021 to end of 2022:

In the second phase of the strategy process there will be further participatory phases. They are aimed at various stakeholders and the urban society. Between the summer of 2021 and the summer of 2022, there will be two to three phases in which Berliners will be invited to participate. In stage two, the aim is to jointly formulate a strategy.

The aim of the entire process is to work out a new Smart City strategy together. In addition to the elements of the strategic framework, this should also contain concrete measures for the development of the Smart City Berlin.