Cities that fail to incorporate digital infrastructure will be left in the dust. We are coming to a point where technology is not simply supplementary but a necessity for proper living in urban areas. The Philippines is third in gold reserves; fourth in copper; fifth in nickel; and sixth in all other mineral deposits. We have the resources for great technology; we only have to nurture it properly.
The global smart cities market is growing: the market size was estimated at $877.6 million in 2024, and is now expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.4 percent from 2025 to 2030. The Asia-Pacific smart cities market dominated the global market and accounted for a 52.32 percent revenue share in 2024. To support the Philippines' growth of smart cities, I would like to share best practices from smart cities around the world.
Cities, where almost 60 percent of all humans now live, often struggle with a long list of issues that include traffic congestion, inefficient public services, high carbon emissions, economic and public safety challenges, and aging water and energy systems. As a result, there’s a large and growing demand for novel solutions. It won’t come as a surprise that new technologies are playing an increasingly important role in addressing a wide range of urban needs.
The term smart city, which first began to appear in the 1990s, is used to describe an urban area that adopts innovative digital technologies, data, sensors, and connectivity to improve a community’s livability, workability, and sustainability.
Weiterlesen: Cognitive Cities Are Rising To Define Our Urban Future
The top smart cities using innovative technologies to boost energy efficiency and become more sustainable include Singapore, Seoul and Dubai
Digital technologies are everywhere, from roads and street lights to smart meters and grids.
Urban areas account for more than two thirds of global energy consumption according to the European Commission.
Smart city innovation is accelerating—so fast, in fact, that distant visions of the future are now becoming present-day realities, transforming how communities live, work and play. At the heart of this transformation is digital connectivity infrastructure that underscores every aspect of modern life. This invisible foundation for the future is enabling more inclusive, sustainable and resilient outcomes for our cities and the communities that inhabit them.
When it comes to delivering a smart city or embarking on that journey, it’s critical that you understand the communities of today. How are people connecting? What are the moments that matter? What is essential for safety? How can we help restore local pride?
Weiterlesen: Thriving Smart Cities Unfold Where Connectivity Meets Community
As cities expand and the pressure on infrastructure intensifies, the need for smarter, faster, and more transparent systems of urban governance becomes critical. Among the foundational elements of a smart city is an efficient, digital plan approval system. Traditional methods--characterized by paperwork, manual verifications, and long approval cycles--are increasingly unfit for today's urban challenges. To meet the demands of modern city life, municipalities must shift toward urban planning automation that empowers efficient governance and streamlined development.
Urban development is no longer a linear, straightforward process. It involves coordination among various departments, compliance with intricate regulations, and the need to engage with multiple stakeholders. The result, when handled through legacy systems, is often a maze of delays and inefficiencies. These slowdowns don't just frustrate developers--they stall infrastructure delivery and diminish public trust in local governance. Transitioning to digital urban planning solutions can change that dynamic entirely, enabling cities to keep pace with development while maintaining oversight and accountability.