The world's best Smart City exponents

23-06-23

The concept of the smart city or intelligent city has been on everyone's lips these days, due to the recently concluded Smart City Ecuador International Congress held in the South American country. But what does the smart city concept consist of and which cities worldwide have the best parameters in this area?  

Smart cities, also known as digital cities or connected cities, are urban environments that use information and communication technologies (ICT) to improve the quality of life of their inhabitants, optimise resource management and promote sustainable development.

The smart city concept is based on the integration of various urban infrastructures and services, such as transport, energy, housing, security, health and governance, through the implementation of advanced technologies. These technologies include sensors, communication networks, data analysis, geographic information systems and mobile applications, among others.

The main objective of smart cities is to improve efficiency in the delivery of public services, reduce environmental impacts, increase citizen participation and improve the overall quality of life. Some examples of smart city applications include:

Smart mobility: Use of sensors and traffic management systems to optimise vehicular flow, public transport and promote sustainable modes of transport, such as bicycles and electric vehicles.

Energy efficiency: Implementation of smart grids, energy demand management, harnessing renewable sources and promoting energy efficient buildings.

E-government: Use of digital platforms to improve citizen participation, facilitate administrative procedures, provide online services and promote transparency in public management.

Environment and sustainability: Intelligent monitoring and management of natural resources such as water and air, waste management, development of green spaces and promotion of sustainable practices.

Security and safety: Use of smart security cameras, crime detection systems, data analysis to prevent incidents and improve emergency response.

Importantly, smart cities are not just about the use of technology, but also involve the active participation of citizens, as well as collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve more sustainable and people-centred urban development.

Leading examples of smart cities globally

• Singapore: Singapore stands out for its smart infrastructure, its extensive use of technology to improve the quality of life of its citizens and its focus on sustainability.

• Tokyo: Tokyo is known for its advances in technology, its smart transportation system, its energy-efficient buildings, and its focus on safety and quality of life.

• Seoul: Seoul is recognised for its extensive high-speed internet coverage, smart transport infrastructure, focus on energy efficiency and its development of mobile applications to improve the citizen experience.

• Amsterdam: Amsterdam has implemented smart solutions in areas such as transport, waste management, renewable energy and citizen engagement, using technology to create a more liveable and sustainable city.

• Copenhagen: Copenhagen stands out for its focus on sustainable mobility, the use of bicycles as a primary mode of transport, smart traffic management and its focus on clean energy.

• Barcelona: Barcelona has adopted a number of smart initiatives, such as using sensors for air quality monitoring, efficient water management, waste control and promoting citizen participation through mobile apps.

These cities are just examples and there are many other cities around the world that are also working to become smarter cities, using technology and data to improve the quality of life of their inhabitants and promote sustainability.