Eglė Radvilė – Digital Futurist: Technology is Not About Technology, it is About Humans
Eglė Radvilė, a self-proclaimed Digital Futurist and the author of Vilnius Digital Strategy, is a pioneer in redefining the role of technology in urban and human development. Having served as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Vilnius City Municipality from 2018 to 2021, Eglė’s career epitomizes innovation, leadership, and a human-centric approach to technological advancement. Currently, she heads the Lithuanian CIO’s club CIO.LT, is Associate Professor of Vilnius University Business School, and an active participant in Harvard’s Digital Program. Armed with a PhD in Information Engineering and Technology and credentials from Harvard’s Leading Digital Innovator program set by Bloomberg, Eglė Radvilė continues to influence and inspire through her transformative vision.
A Lifelong Passion for Technology
Eglė’s journey into technology began at the tender age of 11, long before STEM was a recognized term. With innate curiosity and determination, she disassembled her father’s laptop, sparking a fascination with how things work. Reflecting on that early experience, she says, “From a young age, I understood that technology is not about machines; it’s about understanding the connections that power the world and using them to create meaningful solutions.”
This early interest evolved into a career marked by versatility and the pursuit of making technology accessible and beneficial to all. As a Digital Futurist, she believes that technology should always serve humanity. “It’s not the wires or codes that matter; it’s the impact on people’s lives,” she emphasizes.
Championing Lifelong Learning
Eglė’s unwavering commitment to education and learning has made her a role model for aspiring technologists. Her role in academia has enabled her to shape curriculums and inspire younger generations. “Education is the backbone of innovation,” she explains. “Being part of academia allows me to share knowledge and instill a mindset of curiosity and resilience among students.”
Throughout her career, Eglė has participated in and developed programs designed to empower youth with the skills needed to thrive in a digital future. From integrating AI and cybersecurity into education to fostering creativity through technology, her efforts ensure that students not only adapt to change but lead it.
Transforming Vilnius: A Digital Strategy That Inspires
As CTO of Vilnius, Eglė played a pivotal role in crafting and implementing the city’s digital strategy. Her approach blended cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of citizens’ needs, resulting in significant milestones that continue to influence European cities.
Key highlights from Vilnius’ digital transformation include:
- Open Data Initiative: By making municipal data publicly accessible, the city fostered transparency and encouraged civic engagement. This initiative also supported startups and researchers in developing data-driven solutions.
- Real-Time Happiness Index: Leveraging AI, the city developed tools to monitor residents’ emotional well-being in real-time, enabling responsive governance.
- Time Travel Index: A metric designed to optimize urban mobility and reduce commuting inefficiencies, improving quality of life for residents.
- Longevity Metrics: Initiatives to enhance urban health and sustainability by focusing on green spaces, pollution control, and healthcare accessibility.
“One of the most impactful outcomes was seeing how these initiatives connected the community,” she reflects. “Citizens felt heard and empowered, which is the ultimate goal of any digital strategy.”
Current Projects: Shaping the Cities of Tomorrow
Today, Eglė Radvilė is leading a groundbreaking global project called City Balance, which focuses on applying biotechnological innovations to address the pressing issues of longevity and fertility in urban populations. The project aims to protect city residents from the pervasive effects of electromagnetic smog by creating urban environments that promote health and well-being. City Balance seeks to reconstruct and develop cities in ways that minimize exposure to harmful EMF and RF radiation, ensuring better sleep, reducing stress, and addressing critical fertility and longevity challenges.
Central to this vision is the integration of digital silence into urban planning, moving beyond traditional concepts of green cities. While sustainability, nature, and recycling remain vital, Eglė emphasizes that cities must evolve to address invisible but significant threats like electromagnetic pollution. By doing so, cities can foster environments that not only support reproduction and long life but also protect residents’ mental and physical health.
Alongside these efforts, Eglė ensures that cybersecurity remains a constant backdrop to technological advancements. “Wherever technology goes, cybersecurity must follow like a shadow,” she asserts. By embedding robust security measures into every layer of digital innovation, her projects safeguard both individual and communal well-being.
A Vision for the Future
Eglė Radvilė’s work exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to urban development. Her vision extends beyond the narrow scope of green cities, advocating for comprehensive solutions that address the interplay of sustainability, electromagnetic pollution, and human health. Through City Balance, she champions the idea that cities must become sanctuaries where residents are free from both visible and invisible stressors.
“Technology is a tool, not a destination,” she concludes. “By reimagining our urban spaces with humanity at the core, we create not just functional cities but thriving ecosystems that nurture and protect the lives within them.”
