SMART CITIES
A smart city is an urban area where technology and data collection help
improve quality of life as well as the sustainability and efficiency of city
operations. Smart city technologies used by local governments include
information and communication technologies (ICT) and the Internet of
Things (IoT).
Areas of city operations where ICT, IoT and other smart technologies increasingly
play an important role include transportation, energy and infrastructure. As a city
updates its systems and structures to incorporate these technologies, it becomes
smarter. However, exactly which cities should be considered smart cities or should
claim the mantle of the “smartest” city is a matter of debate.
Understanding smart
cities
Just as the body’s nervous system governs how humans respond to the world around
them, evolving technologies are empowering cities to respond to changes in their
local urban environments.
Technologies to collect data—including real-time data—are central to smart city
initiatives and the benefits they promise. Data-driven insights help local
governments improve urban planning and the deployment of city services, ranging
from waste management to public transportation, leading to better quality of life for
residents.
More efficient city services can also help cut carbon emissions, contributing to global
efforts to address climate change while also improving local air quality. In
addition, smart city solutions can be an engine for economic growth, as better
infrastructure and technological innovation can encourage job creation and business
opportunities.
Smart city technologies
New technologies that improve efficiency and sustainability in the private
sector are also powering smart city networks:
Information and communication technology (ICT)
Information and communication technology includes an array of data-related
technologies. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of
Standards and Technology defines ICT as encompassing the capture,
storage, retrieval, processing, display, representation, presentation,
organization, management, security, transfer and interchange of data and
information.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical devices, vehicles,
appliances and other physical objects that are embedded with sensors,
software and network connectivity that allows them to collect and share
data. These connected devices—also known as “smart objects”—can range
from simple “smart home” and “smart building” devices like smart
thermostats, to wearables like smartwatches, to technology embedded
in transportation systems. Wifi, or wireless connectivity,
supports IoT functionality, with public wifi often considered key to IoT-
powered city services.
Automation
Automation is the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human
input. In smart city projects, automation helps cities become more
responsive to the real-time data that’s transmitted by connected devices in
the Internet of Things. Through automation, for instance, streetlights can be
turned on and off depending on feedback from sensors that detect light and
motion. Such systems automatically switch off streetlights when they’re not
needed, promoting energy efficiency and the sustainability of city
operations.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence combines computer science and robust data sets to enable
problem-solving. Smart city projects use AI and machine learning-based
solutions to manage infrastructure efficiently and sustainably. For example,
AI algorithms can optimize waste collection routes, reducing
carbon emissions by city garbage trucks. AI can also help law enforcement
improve public safety by analyzing data from security cameras and
connected devices to detect crime.
Smart transportation
Smart transportation is a cornerstone of smart city planning. The Internet of
Things, artificial intelligence and other technologies like geolocation
allow local governments and private sector partners to collect real-time data.
This data helps to improve public transportation as well as ease traffic
congestion, reducing carbon emissions and improving quality of life for city
residents and commuters alike.
Smart city technologies used in smart transportation systems can help
officials predict which city vehicles are at risk of a breakdown and proactively
order repairs. These technologies power smart parking systems that assess
parking availability and keep motorists informed. They facilitate an efficient,
AI-powered approach to traffic management, using real-time traffic data to
determine the timing of signal changes at intersections. Smart transportation
systems also support the use of electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles,
further contributing to reductions in carbon emissions and improving traffic
flows.
Smart energy
Smart city technology like AI can help energy providers manage smart grids,
which are electricity networks equipped with sensors and software.
Advanced software and analytics tools can analyze data provided through
connected devices to identify patterns in energy consumption and forecast
future energy use, helping providers proactively avoid outages and meet
customer needs. Smart energy can also support the integration of renewable
energy sources and energy-efficient technologies, helping to mitigate climate
change.
Smart infrastructure
Smart infrastructure encompasses both smart transportation and smart
energy. It also includes smart approaches to utilities such as water as well as
the maintenance of structures and equipment that support transportation,
such as cables and decks. As with other smart technologies, data collected
with sensors and connected devices helps decision makers spot and
proactively address potential problems. In this case, the data helps to
identify and tackle problems concerning infrastructure assets before they
escalate while also improving efficiency and quality of life for local residents.
The Challenges and
Opportunities of Smart Cities
In the digital age, cities are increasingly embracing smart technologies and
innovations. Around the world, smart city programs combine IT with internet-
connected devices, from waste management to smart sensors, which can
improve and streamline city management. However, along with the awesome
opportunities that smart cities bring, there are also challenges.
Challenges Of Smart Cities
Like any project, there are some challenges that have come about as a result of
smart city development. Here are a few of the biggest challenges of smart
cities.
Privacy Concerns
Most people would like to benefit from smart city projects and enjoy higher levels of safety,
lower crime rates, and in general, a better quality of life. The price they are asked to pay, though,
may feel invasive and perhaps threatening. Surveillance cameras installed on every city corner
may prevent speeding and other violations but knowing that “big brother is watching” can leave
people feeling uneasy.
Smart Cities Security Issues
Security challenges in smart cities are the reason why many people are skeptical about smart city
projects. IoT devices are essentially security loopholes. The growing number of IoT sensors and
the increased interconnectivity of mutually interdependent siloes of city infrastructure raises
rightful concerns. If the security standards remain unchanged, cybercriminals could one day shut
down an entire city.
Fortunately, tech companies are creating smart cities solutions based on big data analytics —
blockchain and encryption technologies that are designed to handle more sophisticated cyber-
attacks. Smart city developers are investing in these new generation security systems to eliminate
threats.
Challenges With Legislation
Important challenges faced by legislators include finding workable policies to regulate
stakeholders, unleashing economic development, maintaining benefits for the city’s population,
and permitting growth in research-and-development investment. Getting participants to share
their personal data and balancing trade-offs is also a challenge for many policymakers.
Opportunities In Smart Cities
So, what problems do smart cities solve? Opportunities in smart cities are
abound in a world where emerging tech trends like AI, IoT, and machine learning
are transforming our daily lives.
Economic Improvements
A smart city means greater access to technology for all, lifting the digital literacy of our country
amid a technological age, thus creating jobs in smart sectors, and directing our country’s focus
toward continuous innovation. Again, the economic repercussions of this are significant and
should not be overlooked. Smart cities are a modern way of stimulating the job market and
perpetrating growth in the public and private sectors.
More Intelligent Use of Data
With a more connected city, data can be more freely created and shared. A city that can utilize
such data is a city set up to cultivate growth and innovation. This enlightened approach to data
can help companies learn more about what makes life easier or more enjoyable for everyday
people, and local councils can understand how to improve their cities and the lives of their
inhabitants more effectively. Most importantly, with the increasing commodification of data,
infrastructure, and energy, our economy could reach beyond its current limits into a well of
currently untapped digital resources.
Greater Connection & Efficiency
A smart city means a more connected and more efficient city than ever before. Think clean,
renewable energy, faster broadband, and even automated services that work more reliably. Think
of a city that works more like a digital ecosystem, one that can change and adapt alongside the
ebbs and flows of the public itself. A smart city, in effect, is a key with which New Zealand can
unlock its technological potential and lead the world in contemporary innovation .
Top 10 leading global
smart cities
10. Copenhagen
Copenhagen is renowned for its long-standing commitment to
sustainability and pioneering environmental policies.
And now, it is successfully attaining these stringent sustainability
standards, whilst also deploying some of the smartest city
technologies in the world.
For example, in 2017 the Copenhagen Solutions Lab received an
award for its air quality monitoring system. This regulates energy
consumption, traffic, waste management and other key factors.
It is also paving the way for EV technology, with its centralised
platform to connect traffic lights, EV charging points and smart
metering, to ensure a more efficient experience for EV drivers.
9. Oslo
Interestingly, the majority of the world’s leading smart cities are
located in Europe.
Six out of the top 10 cities are European, and in the top 50, there are
28 European cities featured.
Ranking just above the capital city of its neighbor, Oslo is leading the
technological transformation of Norway. Although the Nordic countries
wouldn’t necessarily be many people’s first thoughts for world-leading
smart cities, they have a huge presence in the world’s top 10.
8. Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s smart city initiative began in 2009, which has seen
hundreds of innovative projects being promoted across the city.
In particular, this involves an impressive revolution of the city’s
transportation network. Now, traffic data is shared with developers,
who can use the data to create mapping apps which can then be
integrated into the city’s transportation system.
The city’s iconic canal network has also been utilised, with automated
‘roboats’ performing deliveries across Amsterdam.
7. Singapore
Although Europe dominates the top 10 smart city list, two of the
world’s leading smart cities are from Asia. However, taking a broader
view through the top 50, just six of these cities are located in Asia.
But, despite this, Singapore has long been considered one of the
smartest cities in the world.
To help navigate its rapidly ageing population, the government is
utilising pioneering digital technologies and initiatives. For example,
smart technologies are already integrated throughout the country’s
housing.
6. Washington
North America is another key player in the top 10 smart cities, with two
entries from the region. This proportion increases significantly when
we expand to the top 50 list, as 13 cities from North America are
featured there.
Interestingly, what might come as a surprise to many is how highly
Washington ranks compared to America’s usual smart city leaders.
In fact, with its ICIM score of 74.27, Washington significantly outranks
Chicago (position 13th, with an ICIM score of 70.22), Los Angeles (22,
and score of 67.83), and Dallas (46, and score of 61.38).
5. Berlin
One of the distinguishing features of Berlin's smart city initiatives is its
advanced systems of urban services and infrastructure. These
include, for example, its system of energy-saving smart streetlights,
the use of real-time traffic and public transit data to improve traffic
flow, and its pioneering bike-sharing programme.
These are all geared towards sustainability, as the city works towards
its ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
4. Tokyo
Tokyo has held a long-term position on the world’s leading smart city
list, and it’s easy to see why.
Its wide range of smart systems includes advanced traffic
management (using real-time sensors and cameras) and its
pioneering implementation of energy-efficient building codes.
As with Berlin, Tokyo is investing heavily in its work towards its goal of
reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. As such, it is
developing a range of sustainability-led projects, including a low-
carbon transportation system and renewable energy solutions.
3. Paris
Of the four French smart cities included in the index (Lille, Lyon and
Marseille being the other three), Paris is the highest ranking by a
considerable margin. Marseille (the second-most French smart city
leader) ranks 76th in the index.
This is largely due to Paris' innovative traffic management systems,
and its network of sensors, situated throughout the city, to monitor air
quality, noise levels and other environmental factors.
Thanks to these technologies, the city has been able to make more
informed decisions about how to improve its livability, for both
residents and tourists alike.
A key example of this is the “Paris Respire” (Paris Breathes)
programme, which implements car-free areas on the weekends and
holidays in some of the city's most popular areas. This promotes
greener transportation options, thereby improving air quality and
significantly reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
2. New York
Consistently, New York City has been one of the world’s most
advanced smart cities. It has been at the forefront of the deployment
of smart sensors and other emerging data management technologies.
Its smart technology initiatives include the NYCx Challenges initiative,
which encourages technology professionals and entrepreneurs to
propose ideas to solve urban problems; free WiFi calls provided by
LinkNYC; and the congestion management Midtown in Motion
initiative.
1. London
In the most recent smart city index, London has risen the rankings, to
successfully achieve the top spot.
In recent years, London has established a number of advanced smart
city initiatives. These include the Civic Innovation Challenge (an
incubator platform to help startups develop solutions to address urban
issues), and the Connect London programme (which is responsible for
the city’s advanced 5G network and fibre-optic coverage). And, with
the city’s heavy investments into AI, IoT and 6G, these solutions are
only set to get more advanced.
What is the role of standards in Smart Cities?
International standards are key tools for smart cities as they can help them make sense
of data effectively and put it to good use. IEC is at the forefront of international
standardization collaboration to develop solutions about data use in smart cities.
What is the standard of smart cities?
The IEC defines smart cities as urban areas “where improvements in quality of life, city
services, sustainability and resilience are accelerated by the widespread and
transformative use of data and technology”
What is the ISO standard for smart cities?
ISO 37122: Sustainable Development of Communities – Indicators for Smart Cities will
complement ISO 37120 and establish indicators and indicator definitions and
methodologies to measure and consider aspects and practices that dramatically
increase the pace at which cities improve their social, economic.