Syke

Project information

Project	Syke
Duration	1.10.2026 – 30.9.2028
Partners	Häme University of Applied Sciences
Funders	Co-funded by the European Union, Regional Council of Häme, City of Hämeenlinna, City of Riihimäki, City of Forssa
Budget	287 880 €

In the Syke project, we are developing new ways to forecast visitor numbers in city centers and support efforts to enhance their vitality. Using an AI-based forecasting model, we generate information that businesses can use, for example, in planning their services and operations, and that cities can use in developing their downtown areas.

How Mobility Can Contribute to the Development of Businesses and Cities

Better information on visitor numbers and changes in mobility can help businesses anticipate demand, plan their operations, and develop their services. For cities, this information offers opportunities for downtown development and supports decision-making.

We develop solutions in collaboration with businesses and cities to ensure they meet practical needs. The traffic data compiled on the cities’ shared data platform as part of the earlier DataMill project provides the foundation for new data-driven solutions.

Target group

The project’s primary target group consists of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the downtown areas of Hämeenlinna, Riihimäki, and Forssa, whose business operations are affected by customer flows and changes in those flows. The cities and the entities responsible for their development constitute the project’s second key target group.

Operating area

Kanta-Häme area

What do we do in practice?

We develop visitor volume forecasts for city centers. We implement an AI-based forecasting model for city center traffic. This allows us to estimate future visitor volumes and generate new insights for businesses and cities.

We conduct data pilots with businesses. Together with businesses in downtown areas, we carry out data pilots to explore how traffic data and analytics can be leveraged to develop their operations. Businesses also participate in testing and refining the forecasting model.

We are enhancing businesses’ ability to utilize data. We support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in leveraging open data and analytics. Our goal is to help businesses identify new opportunities for service development, operational planning, and innovation.

We are improving data collection in cities. We use IoT sensors to collect traffic data and develop solutions that improve data quality and support data-driven urban planning. In this way, we improve the quality of traffic data and support data-driven urban planning.