Foundation of Science, Technology and Innovation of Fortaleza (CITINOVA)

Fortaleza has been focusing on Sustainable Development Public Policies in line with the 2030 Agenda. In 2014, a special unit was created to implement innovative sustainable mobility data-based projects. A trained technical team, supported by international partnerships (sharing best practices, technical and financial support), engaged internal and external actors, developed projects that resulted in the reduction of more than 50% of traffic fatalities (reaching the SDG target 3.6 to halve the number of deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes by 2020 one year ahead of schedule), the expansion of the cycling infrastructure by 300%, and the creation of a more accessible, safe, and comfortable city for people. Since then, a seed of innovation was planted within the Municipality and other data-based innovative projects in different fields were developed. With the new local administration, the Mayor decided to multiply good innovation practices to other Sustainable Public Policies in a structured way. Thus, the Innovation Laboratory was created, which uses the Design Thinking methodology and works collaboratively with other Secretariats of the Municipality to solve increasingly complex urban problems. Fortaleza’s Innovation Lab, at the Foundation of Science, Technology and Innovation has now a portfolio of about 20 projects in various areas including urban design, first childhood, mental health, air quality, among others.