Technological breakthroughs in the last decade have significantly changed both city dwellers and cities themselves. Increasing levels of innovation have created ample opportunity for the improvement of urban environments and increasing their effectiveness. But what is it that makes a smart city ‘smart’? These modern cities are characterized by the use of state-of-the-art technology that improves their citizens' quality of life and the efficiency of services provided, forming complex ecosystems that function in synergy.
The Baltic states have embraced technological advances since regaining their independence, taking bold steps in developing their cities and testing new methods in collaboration with businesses, investors, and scientists. Though many advanced technologies are in use and Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius have surpassed many metropolitan cities such as Tokyo, Barcelona, and San Francisco in the IMD International Smart City Index, continuous development of services and improvement of the urban environment are necessary.
Key Technologies Driving Smart Urban Development
In the development of smart cities, many technologies play an important role, from smart electric grids to artificial intelligence. The use of smart electrical grids is extremely important since they enable the use of electricity from a variety of sources. Developing smart electrical grids is prioritized all over Europe as a key initiative in transitioning to renewable energy.
New devices increase the efficiency of urban environments. IoT (Internet of Things) is a network of devices connected through the internet. These devices exchange information among themselves and also share it with users and carry out tasks together. For example, these could be sensors on the city streets, which collect information about the air quality and share it with the citizens. Real-time data can also be used to help organize the traffic, enabling immediate and effective reactions to peak hours and low traffic.
By the second half of the 2010s, the usage of both IoT technologies and Big Data had laid a strong foundation for more complex AI software, which could then be used in city planning. AI systems started to collect and cross-reference information collected from several data sources simultaneously, enabling more sophisticated data analysis. This facilitated the use of new technology for example in optimizing energy use and improving the city infrastructure and public transportation.
Examples of Smart City Projects in the Baltics
In the year 2024, Tallinn was 24th, Riga 59th, and Vilnius 47th in the IMD Smart Cities Index. Tallinn is ahead of large cities like Brisbane, Madrid, and Berlin, though neighboring Helsinki’s placement as 9th in the world indicates there is room for improvement. Luckily the Baltics are developing several projects, which increase the efficacy of their cities and continuously improve the residents' quality of life.
- Estonia
Estonia is first and foremost known for its highly developed e-governance system, which simplifies people's lives by providing easy and secure access to many necessary services through digital public services.
One of the pillars of a smart city is an effective transportation system. Tallinn has many interesting projects such as the regional projects with AuveTech self-driving busses and collaboration with private enterprises Bolt and Tuul to test products and services by enabling them free parking spaces for electrical scooters.
Modern real estate is also keeping pace, as forward-looking developers like Estmak Capital are developing projects suited for future cities. These developments stand out for exceptional energy efficiency, innovative design, and an environmentally aware approach. The Explorer commercial building has a glass facade, which lights up at night time thanks to integrated LED panels. In addition, these clever panels offer protection from the sun while remaining functional and aesthetic in their use. Explorer is the first commercial building in Estonia that has been awarded the prestigious international green construction certificate LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum.
- Latvia
Riga is using a range of digital technologies integrated into transportation systems, which make getting around the city an easy and convenient experience. Real-time data and operational traffic management ensure that every type of traveler can easily reach their destination. The digital services offered by the city, 5G technology, wi-fi in parks and green buildings, smart street lighting, and the introduction of solar energy are just some of the innovations Riga is using to improve the lives of visitors and residents alike. In addition, AI solutions are continuously tested to improve the efficiency of local municipalities.
Innovative developments such as the forthcoming Lāčplēša Skvērs play a major role in improving quality of life. This dynamic environment comprising of 10 buildings combines residential and commercial spaces and a playful outdoor area and community areas. Developments like this create vibrant micro-communities that enhance people's social well-being, bringing all necessities to the residents' fingertips, and saving valuable time that would’ve been spent on traveling.
- Lithuania
Vilnius has been very active in the development of micro-mobility infrastructure for many years, following the example of models already in use in the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. Vilnius aims to add 20 kilometers of safe and comfortable cycling paths every year, creating a solid foundation for the local cycling culture to flourish. In 2016, when the project launched, only 1.5% of journeys were undertaken on a bicycle. The number has almost tripled by 2024 - to 4.3% - and keeps on growing. Vilnius is keeping a close eye on trends: infrared counters and other technologies are used to gather information on the move to make data-driven decisions.
There is also a major drive to make the city greener and more human-centric. Thousands of trees, shrubs, and other plants have been planted in extensive landscaping projects to make neighborhoods more people-friendly.
Benefits of Smart Cities for Residents and Businesses
Smart cities offer many benefits for residents and businesses. Thanks to faster and more effective services, shorter wait times, and personalized experiences, quality of life is increased. Improved use of resources, lower emissions, and a community-centric approach help to create sustainable green cities. Technology companies and investors find ample opportunity to participate in the development by raising capital and creating jobs.
Challenges and Future Opportunities
Challenges and opportunities always arrive hand-in-hand. Despite the remarkable progress, transforming modern cities requires a large amount of changes and resources. One of the biggest expenses is modernizing infrastructures, which requires significant investments.
The use of AI comes with its own set of challenges. Main concerns include potential privacy violations as AI systems have to collect data from several sources in order to function effectively. This includes cameras, apps, social media, and also IoT devices, which may collect information about things such as traffic and energy usage.
With the misuse of data, it’s possible that individual’s behavior and movements will be tracked or their data sold to third parties for marketing purposes. Privacy concerns must be addressed through strict data governance policies and the usage of suitable data collection methods, which enable decrypted and anonymized data collection.
The continuation of the collaboration between the private sector, local communities, and municipalities is crucial. Collecting feedback from the residents and including them through the use of various programs ensures the creation of a better urban environment. Collaboration between cities and technology companies helps in turn to increase the speed and efficacy of developing and deploying new technologies.
Conclusion
Baltic countries have taken an active position in adopting new technological solutions, becoming global leaders in the development of smart cities. Rapid deployment and development of new technologies, prioritization of sustainability, and a people-centric approach ensure Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are able to develop effective urban environments, that create value for the residents and are ready for both the present day and future. While the road to the future doesn’t come without challenges, international recognition confirms – the Baltics are on the right path.
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Quelle/Source: The Baltic Times, 09.01.2025
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