The basic concept behind smart cities is the use of technology to improve urban living and address pressing challenges. This begins by integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance critical services such as transportation, utilities, healthcare, and public administration.
People today are equipped with all the necessary tools and accessories to make them “smart”. From a smartphone to a smartwatch, from a laptop to smart glasses and the ubiquitous apps that populate these, we as individuals are much more “smart-equipped” than we were in the last century. If individual potential has been thus enhanced, can the houses, the offices and the cities that we live in be far behind, giving rise to the question – what makes a city smart and how can we ensure a smooth transition from the chaos of today’s urban sprawls to truly “smart” cities.
A growing population keeps urban centres expanding and as cities grow, the challenges they face in ensuring a high quality of life for their residents increase. From managing resources efficiently to controlling and reducing carbon emissions the pressures on managing cities are on the rise. Smart cities offer a revolutionary solution, leveraging digital technologies, automation, and data analytics to reshape urban landscapes and enhance urban infrastructure.
The basic concept behind smart cities is the use of technology to improve urban living and address pressing challenges. This begins by integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance critical services such as transportation, utilities, healthcare, and public administration. Real-time data collected through interconnected sensors and devices enables authorities to make informed decisions, optimize resource usage, and respond swiftly to emerging issues. For instance, Barcelona has smart streetlights that adjust brightness based on pedestrian activity, reducing energy consumption and costs. Similarly, Singapore's smart traffic management system uses AI to analyse real-time data and adjust traffic signals to manage traffic flow efficiently, ease congestion and improve travel times.
The other important aspect of smart cities is their ability to drive sustainability. The use of renewable energy solutions with optimal water and waste management helps to lower the environmental impact significantly. Smart grid technology enables cities to monitor energy consumption patterns and integrate renewable energy sources seamlessly. Innovations in waste management, such as smart bins that signal when they need to be emptied, improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. These initiatives also add to the efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action and sustainable communities.
Smart cities also prioritise enhancing the quality of life for their residents. Digital platforms democratise access to public services and enable individuals to contribute to urban planning processes. For example, Buenos Aires’s data-driven approach to service delivery allows residents to report issues such as potholes or broken streetlights via an app. This system has significantly reduced response times, fostering trust and collaboration between citizens and city officials. The MyBMC mobile app developed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) offers citizens anywhere, anytime access to services and information. Similarly, initiatives like telemedicine and remote education have become integral parts of smart city strategies, ensuring that essential services remain accessible during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the transition to smart cities has its challenges. One major concern is the issue of data privacy and security. The extensive use of IoT devices and the vast amounts of data collected give rise to the question of how this information will be stored, shared, and protected. It is critical to ensure that sensitive information is not misused and put in place robust cybersecurity measures backed by clear data governance frameworks. Financial constraints may also be a hurdle, as building smart cities requires substantial investment in infrastructure, technology, and training. A recent example was the news about Saudi Arabia scaling down plans for its vast desert development project Neom.
Inclusivity is another important challenge in the development of smart cities. While technology has the potential to bridge gaps, it can also expand inequalities. Ensuring that all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status, benefit from smart city initiatives is essential. Marginalized communities must also have access to technology with their needs addressed. In addition, the complexity of integrating various systems and technologies requires careful planning and the adoption of standardized protocols to avoid inefficiencies.
Despite these challenges, smart cities have the potential to drive economic growth by attracting investments, fostering innovation, and creating new job opportunities. As the scale of the effort required to create a smart city may be unsuitable for a single player, joint efforts from multiple stakeholders become necessary. It is here that public-private partnerships offer a solution, with all stakeholders cooperating and sharing resources, risks, responsibilities and rewards. An example is the Amsterdam Smart City where a group of entrepreneurs identified urban problems and created demos and pilots of technological solutions. The success of these pilots got the public and the government interested in working together and scaling up.
Starting with pilot projects and scaling up gradually allows cities to manage risks effectively and adapt solutions to their unique contexts. Involving residents in the design and implementation of smart solutions gives them a sense of ownership while ensuring that the initiatives address their actual needs. Training city officials and local stakeholders in using advanced technologies is equally important for the successful deployment of smart city initiatives.
Smart cities are a solution to the challenges of modern urbanization. The integration of technology and sustainable practices transforms cities into dynamic ecosystems that prioritize innovation and provide resilience and quality living. As cities navigate this transition, the ability to foster collaboration, adopt scalable solutions, and prioritize the well-being of residents will determine the success of their smart urban infrastructure initiatives. After all, smart cities must not only be technologically advanced but also be human-centred!
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Autor(en)/Author(s): NS Rao
Quelle/Source: The Times of India, 18.03.2025
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