IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

In an increasingly digital world – securing online transactions and interactions has become a top priority. Traditional methods like passwords and PINs are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Enter biometric authentication, a revolutionary approach that leverages unique human traits such as fingerprints, facial structure, and voice patterns to verify identities. This technology is becoming the preferred method for safeguarding personal information, as it offers a higher level of security and convenience compared to conventional methods.

In fact, the digital landscape, including sectors like online gaming and banking, is already embracing this shift. The integration of secure authentication methods not only increases trust but also reduces the risk of fraudulent activities.

The project will map over 1000 stops and make use of the Crowdsorsa mobile game app, which has been employed in Helsinki to map crosswalks and traffic lights.

Tallinn is using a network of volunteers to map public transport stop accessibility. The volunteers will assist in mapping and photographing over a thousand public transport stops in the Estonian capital.

The project makes use of the Crowdsorsa mobile game app, which has been employed in Helsinki to map crosswalks and traffic lights.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way cities handle traffic management. As urban populations grow and the number of vehicles increases, older traffic systems are struggling to keep up. AI has emerged as a practical option to help ease traffic, boost safety, and create smoother transportation in smart cities. The Role of AI in Managing Traffic

AI assists cities in monitoring traffic, predicting congestion, and reacting to changes in real-time. Smart city setups generally include tools like sensors, cameras, and processing units that provide large sets of data for AI to analyze. With this information, AI spots patterns and suggests ways to keep traffic flowing more smoothly.

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) will lead the Center of Excellence (CoE) that will focus on addressing the challenges concerning sustainable cities, officials said. It will be a part of the Union ministry of education’s “Make AI in India, Make AI Work for India” initiative.

To be led by Prof Sachchida Nand Tripathi, the dean of School of Sustainability at IIT Kanpur, the CoE will focus on using artificial intelligence (AI) to address the challenges related to sustainable cities. Its work will include tackling issues like energy forecasting, air quality, urban flooding, and developing digital twins for transportation and city management, he added.

Espoo has been named a finalist for the prestigious World Smart City Awards, competing alongside Shenzhen, China, and Santiago de Cali, Colombia, in the main category. This recognition highlights Espoo’s Impact Management Program, which uses data-driven strategies to enhance urban sustainability and efficiency. The winner will be announced at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona on November 6, 2024.

The World Smart City Awards spotlight innovative strategies to make cities more livable, sustainable, and economically viable. Espoo’s data-centric approach to impact management, developed in collaboration with VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, has helped the city create a “roadmap” for actionable improvements, according to Mayor Jukka Mäkelä.

Aetina, a Taiwanese provider of AI solutions, will showcase its edge AI solutions at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona from November 5-7, 2024.

The company will highlight its DeviceEdge series, featuring the Aetina In-Vehicle System and SuperEdge AI Inference system, designed for smart city and transportation applications.

Digitalization of public administration, implementation of smart city solutions, how to access European funds and training needs in local public administration were debated in Târgu Mureş, during the first Summit of Mayors in Romania.

George Turcu, managing partner of the Mayors Guide, stated: "The purpose of the event is clear, to attract and bring experts from all fields to the mayors. We at the Mayors Guide believe that the mayors in our country have a great lack of experts, especially small mayors. They do not have experts to rely on when they want to do projects".

Wisdom Kwati Smart City, a subsidiary of Wisdom Kwati Group, has unveiled its ambitious plans for the development of a mega city in Karshi, Abuja, aimed at generating over 6 million jobs within the next decade.

The project, which is still in its first phase and expected to be completed in 10 years, has the potential to reshape the real estate landscape in Abuja, offering a sustainable, eco-friendly urban environment tailored to the Nigerian middle class.

Smart cities serve as real-world testbeds and implementation grounds for many of the key technologies and principles driving the next phase of the industrial revolution - Industry 5.0. This new era envisions a shift away from the current automation-centric Industry 4.0 model towards human-machine symbiosis, where intelligent systems collaborate seamlessly with humans. Today, OPEN-TEC, Tech Knowledge Sharing Platform, powered by TCC TECHNOLOGY GROUP, will delve into the important role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping smart cities.

During GITEX Global 2024 in Dubai, at a roundtable themed Build City Intelligent Twins to Accelerate City Digital Transformation, Huawei invited government experts and partners from China, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Africa to discuss hot topics relating to smart city and government digitalization.

Smart city construction is rapidly advancing, and the growing intricacy of urban management necessitates fresh architectures and technologies. At the Huawei Cloud UAE Summit, Hank Chen, R&D President of Government Public Services Digitalization BU, Huawei, introduced the innovative" City Intelligent Twins Architecture " as Huawei's latest achievement in core technologies and applications for smart cities. City awareness helps map physical world into digital world. City networks are the meridians, defining a new network framework for all services. City cloud acts as the brain.

Sound detections trigger immediate alerts, enabling faster response times and helping emergency services and government agencies safeguard public spaces. Sound event detection solution specialist Jalud Embedded is expanding into the UK market to offer security technologies designed to enhance public safety in smart cities, critical infrastructure and high-risk environments.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority in partnership with Core42, a G42 company specializing in sovereign cloud, AI infrastructure, and digital services has launched an advanced digital portal that enables Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, building owners and maintenance companies to register, manage, and update fire and life safety standards in real-time. Launched as part of the Hassantuk program and developed by Core42, the advanced solution significantly enhances protection for residents of buildings across Abu Dhabi reducing property damage and improving emergency response time. The new solution also boosts overall operational efficiency for maintenance companies and building owners to monitor their work, ensuring higher safety standards throughout the Emirate.

As the world rapidly advances into a new era of technology and urban development, Dubai is poised to transform into a futuristic metropolis by 2040. With its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and smart city solutions, the city is laying the groundwork for a remarkable urban landscape that promises to redefine transportation, living, and leisure. Here’s a glimpse into what Dubai may look like in 2040, focusing on the emergence of flying taxis and gigantic metro systems.

The Rise of Flying Taxis

Dubai has long been at the forefront of aviation and transportation innovations. By 2040, flying taxis, also known as eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicles, are expected to be a common sight in the skies above the city. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has been actively working with various companies to test and deploy these aerial vehicles, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and enhance mobility.

Practically omnipresent, thanks to human activity, radio frequency is the new area of focus for energy harvesting technology

Earlier this year, a company called Betavolt made news by announcing a nuclear battery that can go on for 50 years before needing a recharge. Technology is marching further ahead. In the future, at least for small electronic devices, you wouldn’t ever need to charge the batteries — they would self-charge from (man-made) energy in the atmosphere.

It is impossible to argue with the statement that London is one of the most forward thinking and dynamic cities in the world. It is a destination that has long been a global leader in the embracing and development of cutting edge technology with the aim of improving urban living, with added emphasis on areas such as efficiency, connectivity and sustainability very much on the English capital’s smart city agenda.

One of the most significant elements in this evolving transformation is the integration of Kitcast digital signage software across the landscape. Screens and displays are so much more than just a platform for advertising, they can in fact play a critical role in reshaping an urban society.

The government is implementing several projects to resolve the issue.

Minister for Local Self-Government M B Rajesh inaugurated several projects under the Cochin Smart City Mission Ltd (CSML) worth Rs 130 crore, including 15 refuse compactors for secondary collection and transportation of solid waste, amphibian weed harvester/cutting machine, mobile cold emulsion spray injection pothole patching machine, renovated parks and open spaces in West Kochi, including Mattancherry Park, redevelopment works of Vyttila Mobility Hub Terminal and repair and lighting works for the terminal, and open space development for Vyttila Mobility Hub.

Not so long ago, mention travelling to India and you’d expect to be fighting through crowds in a chaotic country with long lines, frequent traffic jams and a public transportation system only adventurous travellers would be game to tackle. That’s no longer the case as India is fast progressing its infrastructure with the rollout of its Smart Cities project. Imagine a city where everything is connected, where you use your smartphone to pay for public transportation, find a parking spot or even order food from wherever you are, access Wi-Fi from anywhere in the city, and do much more. According to the Smart Cities project, hundreds of cities in India will offer these.

When visiting cities in China, don’t be surprised if your taxi has no driver. Not so long ago, if you imagined a city where traffic is managed by artificial intelligence, with autonomous vehicles driving the streets and pedestrians accessing public infrastructure using a handheld device, all this would have seemed like a futuristic science-fiction scene in a movie. However, in China, these ground-breaking ideas are close to becoming a reality due to China’s smart city and infrastructure initiatives.

The nation’s smart city policy initiatives back in 2011 have allowed it to adopt new and upcoming technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and 5G into urban infrastructure and apply these to various aspects of urban life. Most visitors are surprised at China’s progress in making cities smart. China has started implementing smart city solutions in over 900 smart city projects in various provinces.

Digital infrastructure to connect and integrate with a range of smart city services and applications, with the aim of enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of citywide operations and management

In what is said to mark a significant step in its transformation into a fully integrated conurbation that takes advantage of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies, Lusail City in Qatar has announced the creation of a smart city powered by AI, machine learning and data analytics.

As smart cities evolve from concept to reality, they are redefining how we think about urban development, particularly within the real estate and construction sectors. These urban areas envision a future where emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data are seamlessly integrated with urban living to improve residents' quality of life, boost sustainability and connectivity, and drive economic growth. Major projects such as The Line in Saudi Arabia, Toyota’s Woven City in Japan, and Net City in China, are part of a movement set to redefine how buildings are designed, managed, and valued. Looking ahead, the real estate and construction sectors face both significant opportunities and challenges in this rapidly changing landscape.

On October 14, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov signed a Decree to construct the eco-city “Asman” near the village of Toru-Aigyr on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, the country’s main region for tourism and recreation.

Spanning 4,000 hectares, some 200km southeast of the capital Bishkek and dubbed a “smart city”, Asman aims to become the country’s new economic and tourist hub and home to modern business, recreational and sports facilities, hi-tech parks, and financial institutions. It will also provide homes for around 500,000 residents. From a bird’s eye view, Asman (the Kyrgyz word for “sky”) will resemble a komuz, a traditional Kyrgyz string musical instrument and one of Kyrgyzstan’s national symbols.

ST Engineering Urban Solution will deploy smart city solutions and applications for Lusail’s city-wide operations and management.

ST Engineering’s Urban Solutions business has secured a $60m contract to design, build, and operate a smart city platform with city-wide network connectivity for Lusail, Qatar.

Strategic twin cities cooperation between the Federal Territories, particularly Putrajaya and Shanghai, China, will allow Malaysia to learn more about smart city management, said Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) said the initiative would also help the country adopt innovation-based technological solutions and remain at the forefront of adopting modern approaches.

Praise has been given to work carried out to extend access to public WiFi across Sunderland and the early success of a new dedicated city-wide app.

Sunderland City Council bosses stressed they have been working “very hard” and made some “great progress” in terms of providing online network connections over the last five years.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday said his government would take all possible steps to remodel Cuttack into a smart city.

Speaking to media persons after visiting the puja pandals in the city on the occasion of Navami (ninth day) of Dussehra, the chief minister said, “Cuttack is widely known for grand celebration of Dussehra and massive arrangements for community puja of Goddess Durga. On the invitation of different committees, I came to have darshan of Devi at the pandals. I went around the city and visited about 40 puja pandals. I also interacted with the members of the puja committees.”

With more than two decades of industry expertise, Iveda sets the industry standard for smart city development in the Philippines and beyond

Iveda® (NASDAQ: IVDA), the global leader in cloud-based AI technology, today reports progressive partnerships with major cities across the Philippines and broader Asia, assisting city officials in establishing specifications and standards for Smart City deployments. Iveda Philippines is spearheading efforts to provide direction and industry benchmarks that will enable cities across the region to efficiently implement cutting-edge smart technologies, including IvedaAI, Utilus Smart Pole, IvedaEMS, and Cerbero, which will enhance public safety, operational efficiency, and quality of life for all.

Tadoom will drive creation of advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS), high-precision 3D mapping and immersive smart city initiatives

Tadoom, Oman's premier IoT service provider renowned for its capability to deliver IoT and smart city solutions, has entered into a strategic partnership with Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to develop a cutting-edge smart city platform and innovative use cases for the Sultan Haitham City.

Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo Corporation has asked Hanoi authorities to help with the progress of its $4.2 billion North Hanoi Smart City project in Dong Anh district.

President and CEO of Sumitomo Corporation Shingo Ueno made the request at a Wednesday meeting with Hanoi Chairman Tran Sy Thanh.

Nagpur Smart and Sustainable City Development Corporation Limited (NSCDCL) has developed 3 new Digital E-Libraries for the benefit of the students. These new modern, digital E-Libraries will be transforming the new ways for the students seeking knowledge from all over the world.

Nagpur Smart City CEO Mrs Saumya Sharma Chandak has informed that these Digital E-Libraries are at Pt Deendayal Upadhyay Digital E-Library, Laxmi Nagar, Late Kundanlal Gupta Digital E-Library, Immamwada and RAshtramata Kasturba Digital E-Library, Gandhi Square, Sadar. Under this ambitious project Nagpur Smart City has supplied, installed & commissioned ICT based components & providing 3 years of operation and maintenance for 3 existing Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Libraries.

Iberdrola & Bilbao City Council are transforming an old industrial area into a net zero emissions smart city testing ground for renewable energy solutions

In the heart of Bilbao, Spain, an ambitious urban regeneration project is taking shape. Zorrotzaurre, a 2.5km artificial peninsula created in the 1950s and 60s, is being transformed from a post-industrial wasteland into a cutting-edge smart city district.

In 2023, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reported a 16.8% rise in digital revenues to AED3.705 billion. Key advancements include upgraded smart apps, AI-powered services, and the launch of 63 new services. The authority's initiatives are aligning with Dubai's vision for a seamless, tech-driven society.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has reported substantial growth in its digital transformation efforts in 2023, with digital revenues surging by 16.8% to reach AED3.705 billion. The overall digital transactions recorded reached 821 million, showing a slight 1% uptick, while smart app transactions saw a 29% increase.

Connected Arima, a project to transform the borough of Arima using technology into the country’s first smart city is an eminently good idea.

It’s a sensible approach to creating a locally relevant smart city. Pick one location with a mix of local features and challenges, deploy technology to meet citizen needs and learn from the experience before moving on to other city centres.

On the long path to creating a smart city, the journey begins with its core: the buildings. Intelligent buildings are the foundation upon which smart cities are built, serving as the individual units that, when interconnected, transform the urban landscape into a hub of efficiency, sustainability, and seamless functionality.

Data is the lifeblood pulsing through intelligent buildings and, by extension, smart cities. Equipped with sensors, intelligent buildings continuously gather information about energy use, occupancy patterns, and environmental conditions. This data is analyzed and utilized to enhance building operations, reduce waste, and optimize resources. More importantly, this data feeds into broader city systems, empowering decision-makers with real-time insights to make informed, city-wide adjustments that benefit everyone.

Building a smart city with a smart payment system playing a key role has helped Hanoi gradually transform and make breakthroughs in the process of development, said Ha Minh Hai, Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee.

During a conference last week, Hai said that the implementation of cashless payment solutions in public services, transportation and social security, along with electronic invoices and smart payment streets, has led the city to achieve important initial results in developing digital urban areas.

Throughout history, it has become clear that the key to long-lasting and sustainable projects is to lay solid foundations. Our society is headed towards a more urban future in which the density of metropolises will be ever greater. That is why this more urban tomorrow requires modern urban planning capable of building innovative, sustainable and flexible structures. Because the only way to make our society live better is to build better.

To achieve this goal, we must adopt integrated approaches that take advantage of emerging technologies and sustainable practices. Here, the positive impact that technological tools such as BIM or Construction Management Software are already having on the development of construction activity is undeniable. BIM is the most widespread and widely used technology, since it makes it possible to design and envision the work in a virtual environment before building it in the real world, thereby avoiding hypothetical errors in the various stages of construction.

In the competition, there will be several themes on which participants can give their ideas.

Indore Smart City Development Limited (ISCDL) is calling on innovators, architects, planners, designers, engineers and creative enthusiasts and other such people to shape the future of the city through a design competition. A total of around 22 entries have been received for this competition.

A committee will do final screening on October 4. Officials said that it is expected to create innovative, data-driven solutions that should improve the quality of life for residents of the city especially vulnerable population (such as elderly people and people with disabilities).

As Muscat evolves into a city of the future, Cundall’s role in the Greater Muscat Structure Plan is key

Oman’s capital city is on the cusp of a transformative evolution with the launch of the Greater Muscat Structure Plan (GMSP). The plan, a collaboration between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and a diverse team of international experts, aims to shape the future growth of Muscat through forward-thinking urban development strategies.

Central to this ambitious project is Cundall, a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy known for its innovative approaches to sustainability, infrastructure, and urban resilience.

The Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure has unveiled a smart city initiative aimed at transforming 275 towns across Ethiopia into smart cities by 2024/2025. The plan seeks to modernize urban services, improve living standards, and drive the country's urban development forward.

State Minister Fenta Dejen revealed that the initiative will begin with 31 cities in 2023/2024, including the capital, Addis Ababa. This initial phase will serve as a model for the larger goal of transforming 2,500 towns into smart cities by 2026. Key elements of the plan include modernizing office services, providing fast and accessible services, and implementing e-services.

The Al Madinah Region Development Authority offers a way forward for an ancient city, as human-centricity takes center stage.

Al Madinah – a city steeped in rich religious, cultural and historical significance, is embarking on a transformative journey, one that blends its illustrious past with the latest innovations in technology. This has been achieved by ensuring the essence of the city remains intact. This involves many different facets, but central is the humanization of the city.

The organization responsible for this transformative work is the Al Madinah Region Development Authority. The authority has devised a smart city plan that focuses on key areas such as wellbeing, tourism, environment and mobility, aiming to create a city that caters to both the spiritual and practical needs of its population. The plan is testament to how technology can be used to enhance the human experience, ensuring the city’s growth is in sync with the needs and aspirations of its people.

As a pioneer in 5G network infrastructure, Ericsson is supporting Vietnam in developing its digital economy. Rita Mokbel, head of Ericsson Vietnam, talked to VIR’s Bich Thuy about upcoming priorities to support building innovative 5G use cases.

Q: What do you think about Vietnam's digital infrastructure readiness for 5G commercialisation?

Vietnam is steadily building the necessary digital infrastructure to support 5G, with a key milestone being the recent auctions for 5G frequency bands by the Ministry of Information and Communications. They’ve allocated licences for the 2600 MHz and 3700 MHz spectrum bands, which are essential steps in this journey.

The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Bulawayo, Judith Ncube, has officially launched the Smart City Surveillance System, a significant step in utilizing technology to fight crime in the city. The surveillance system is a collaborative initiative between the Bulawayo Business Against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe (BACFOZ) and local security agency Safeguard.

This project marks a major milestone in the city's efforts to embrace modern policing techniques, with law enforcement set to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into crime prevention and investigation. The use of technology is expected to fundamentally change how crime is managed, making it easier to monitor and respond to criminal activities in real-time.

Eight years after making it to the first list of proposed smart cities, Chandigarh is all set to give adieu to the Smart City Mission, which helped the city make new strides in security arrangements, traffic management, green transport, garbage and sewage handling etc.

With an investment of almost Rs 1,000 crore since 2016 when the mission was first announced by the Union government, 34 smart projects have gone past the finish line, with just two projects pending as of now.

Urban logistics is at a crossroads, with the last-mile delivery segment facing increasing pressure from growing e-commerce demands. As cities become denser and more complex, traditional logistics models need help to keep pace, as they face inefficiencies, congestion and environmental concerns. However, smart cities are stepping up to the challenge by leveraging cutting-edge technologies like the cloud, IoT, AI and real-time data analytics to revolutionize both last-mile delivery and curbside management.

A smart city uses interconnected technologies like sensors, IoT devices, and data networks to improve the efficiency of its operations and services. Collecting and analyzing real-time information through secure data streams can optimize everything from traffic management to energy consumption and public safety.

This metric is crucial because it allows cities to respond quickly to changing conditions, make informed decisions, and use resources efficiently. Live updates help create a more responsive, sustainable, and livable environment for everyone.

As urban areas evolve into smart cities, the role of compliance automation is becoming increasingly pivotal. Compliance serves as a cornerstone for ensuring that infrastructure development adheres to safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. This adherence is essential not only for safeguarding public safety but also for promoting sustainable practices. In the context of smart cities, where advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart grids are integrated, compliance becomes even more critical. Without robust compliance mechanisms, cities risk facing issues such as unsafe construction and environmental degradation, which could undermine their growth and livability.

Just a couple miles from the University of Connecticut's main Storrs campus, lies a stark juxtaposition to those lively school grounds. With acres of undeveloped land, abandoned buildings and overgrown weeds, a large portion of UConn's Depot Campus has sat unused for years.

But that is set to change, as the Depot Campus could see a renaissance as the new home to a planned test driving track for autonomous vehicles and research facility for high-tech transportation planning.

The new city is designed to be a major regional administrative and financial centre, as well as being a technologically advanced "smart" city.

Overcrowding is a growing problem that many major cities around the world are facing, as more and more people flock to them in search of better economic opportunities.

Some countries have taken bold and ambitious steps to solve the problem that these population inflows are causing.

An interesting press note across the news desk today from UK technology research group IDTechEx, which explores the continuing challenges to establish a coherent model for the global rollout of autonomous buses and robo-shuttles – that classic smart-city staple to redesign urban mobility with futuristic transport solutions. In the end, the crux of it is to convince governments to facilitate pilots and investors to scale them. Which is about the viability of the model in the first place, but also the vision and will of authorities to untangle all the red tape.

There were “once” over 50 “players” in the market, variously developing autonomous bus and robo-shuttles and teasing a “public transport revolution”, reckons IDTechEx. But commercial services have been slow to materialise and the number of providers has since declined, with the whole market “falling short of industry expectations”, it says. “Large-scale commercial testing has not been achieved,” writes Shihao Fu, analyst at IDTechEx, even as progressive “near-commercial” government-supported initiatives in Singapore, France, China, and South Korea show the way.

Almeria is blazing a trail in urban transformation with its ambitious Almeria 2030 Strategic Plan, focusing on technology, sustainability, and innovation.

Mayor of Almeria, Maria del Mar Vazquez showcased the city’s strides at the Greencities & S-Moving Forum in Malaga, where more than 75 cities gathered to promote smarter, sustainable city models.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has expressed his confidence that the Southern province of Binh Dương will continue to achieve remarkable breakthroughs, solidifying its status as Vietnam's leading modern industry hub and ascending to become a centrally-run city in the near future.

During a working session with the standing board of the provincial Party Committee on September 26, PM Chinh called on Binh Duong to pool all resources, particularly through public-private partnerships, to invest in a synchronous and modern socio-economic infrastructure. This includes transportation, healthcare, education, industrial zones, and information and telecommunications, with the aim of transforming it into a centrally-run smart city.

"China is already in 2030!" said the Hutchinsons, a British family who owns almost 200,000 followers on TikTok, when they experienced their first drone delivery service in Shenzhen. So far, this vlog has topped all of their posts, gaining an eye-catching 7.8 million views.

The rapid development of smart technologies in China has amazed many foreign visitors as they flock to China after its launch of the 144-hour visa-free policy.

The 2024 Smart City Index ranks cities based on innovative initiatives enhancing citizens' quality of life. European cities dominate the list, while North American cities decline. With a focus on sustainability and citizen engagement, these urban centers are addressing future challenges in health, climate change, and governance.

The 2024 Smart City Index has revealed the world's top 10 smartest cities, highlighting innovative urban initiatives that enhance citizens' quality of life. This year, European cities dominate the list, with no North American cities making it into the top 20 for the first time since the index began in 2019. Below is a detailed overview of the top 10 cities and their notable characteristics.

The city of Zug in Switzerland has become the first in the country to implement digital credentials in a live setting, starting in September 2024. The move toward digitizing identity credentials across Switzerland is expected to culminate in a federal-level digital identity system by 2026.

Zug’s eGovernment platform, known as eZug, now integrates the Procivis One software to manage the issuance and verification of these digital credentials. According to an announcement, users don’t need a separate app to access these credentials.

Baguio City government’s Management Information and Technology Division (MITD) and the Department of Informations and Communications Technology (DICT) Cordillera are tapping college students to pitch in their ideas for the city’s sustainable and smart city project.

The "Smart City Challenge 2024" is calling on all students from all disciplines in Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay (BLISTT) to join.

Officials of the Tirupati Smart City project reviewed the progress of the Integrated Command Control Centre being established as part of the Smart City initiative at the annual general body meeting on Tuesday. It was presided over by Smart City Managing Director and Municipal Corporation Commissioner N Mourya.

The meeting was attended online by Smart City Chairman and Collector Dr S Venkateswar, along with Directors including District SP L Subbarayudu and Dr Ramashri. From the Municipal Corporation office, Smart City Director Ramachandra Reddy, Additional Commissioner Charan Tej Reddy, superintendent engineer Mohan, Smart City GM Chandramouli, examiner of accounts Ramachandra Reddy, municipal engineer Chandrasekhar, AECOM representative Balaji and other Smart City officials participated.

At the midpoint of smart curb projects, city transportation leaders across the country are reflecting on the broader impacts this work can have — and how they might unlock progress in the future.

The new zero-emission delivery zone, the citywide digital curb inventory and the improved working relationships with residents, businesses and even package carriers like FedEx are all great to have.

But perhaps the most sizable and lasting legacy of a grant program aimed at modernizing the way cities use and regulate curbs will be the foundational baseline these projects establish — a baseline for data and how its gathered, an opening for collaborating with other city departments and a launchpad for community engagement.

early 7 in 10 people will live in cities by 2050, based on a recent report by research consultants Frost and Sullivan. With more and more people living in city centers and many still relying on cars, traffic congestion remains one of the biggest challenges facing our society.

Traffic isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a massive drain on the U.S. economy, costing over $160 billion annually. The dense network of vehicles gridlocking our roads has impacts that extend beyond the asphalt — it permeates every aspect of urban life, demanding immediate and comprehensive action.

The new online renewal application is not available for children's passports or citizens living outside the United States

United States citizens will now be able to more easily renew their passports.

The Department of State announced Wednesday that passport holders will be able to submit an online form to renew their passports, no longer requiring a mail-in application. 

"By offering this online alternative to the traditional paper application process, the Department is embracing digital transformation to offer the most efficient and convenient passport renewal experience possible," Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced.

The eGovPH app represents a significant step in the Philippines' digital transformation, providing citizens a powerful platform to streamline their interactions with various government services. Launched in collaboration with HID Global and FMC Research Solutions Inc., the app integrates HID's goID Software Development Kit (SDK) to ensure it meets ISO 23220 standards for global interoperability. This technology allows Filipinos, especially overseas workers, to securely store and use their digital National ID and other government-issued documents in countries that adhere to the same ISO standards.

While it offers many advantages, citizens need to weigh the benefits against the risks before deciding whether to use it now or wait until further refinements are made.

In August, the Union Cabinet approved the creation of 12 industrial zones, strategically positioned across 10 states and planned along six major corridors

The construction of 12 newly approved industrial smart cities will begin this year, while four more cities, already being developed, are expected to be completed by the end of next year, said Rajat Kumar Saini, chief executive and managing director of the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC).

The Umguza Rural District Council (RDC) is transforming the Ntabazinduna area into a smart city, with the industrial corridor along the Ntabazinduna Road turn-off from the Bulawayo-Harare Road already showing progress. This development is part of the Zimbabwe National Human Settlement Plan (ZNHSP) and aligns with Vision 2030 and President Mnangagwa's directive for local authorities to develop masterplans that improve service delivery.

Smart cities, which use advanced information and communication technologies (ICTs) and sustainable practices, are designed to enhance urban living by improving operational efficiency, public services, and overall quality of life. Ntabazinduna's transformation is expected to follow these global trends.

Cities are made smarter by edge computing, but they’re made smarter in other ways too. It’s important to be strategic at the network’s edge.

Picture this scenario: A pedestrian ignores a don’t-walk signal and steps into a city crosswalk late at night. The typically busy intersection is empty, except for one car that’s less than a block away. It’s hurtling toward the crosswalk.

The government has spent over Rs 822 crore in Faridabad under the Smart Cities Mission.

Haryana’s Faridabad – one of the 100 cities selected to be developed as a “Smart City” – received Rs 833 crore from the centre and state government under the Smart Cities Mission till February this year. Out of this, Rs 822 crore was reportedly spent on various infrastructural projects.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said his govt plans to transform Kalaburagi into a smart city with an estimated investment of Rs 1,685 crore. The initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for locals and attract investments in the region.

Siddaramaiah made the announcement during ‘Kalyana Karnataka Amrut Mahotsav' celebrations and the 10th anniversary of Kalyana Karnataka's special status under Article 371(J) of the Constitution.

VERSES AI Inc., a cognitive computing company specializing in next generation intelligent systems, announces the first in a series of joint smart city projects with Analog, an edge computing company focused on seamlessly connecting people, places and things using smart sensors and mixed reality devices, to simulate taxi fleet management in Abu Dhabi. Utilizing Genius, the project objective is to understand how to optimize fleet operations while minimizing congestion and emissions.

“We are excited to kick off this first commercial project and partnership with Analog,” said Gabriel René, CEO of VERSES. “Genius is ideally suited for smart cities where there are many stakeholders, each with different systems, hardware and methods for capturing and processing real-time sensor data. We aim to empower Analog with the tools to transform data from various sources into a unified model upon which Genius agents continuously generate insights and recommendations in order to optimize activity, with the goal of producing significant cost savings and efficiency improvements for fleet operators.”

As more people move to urban areas, there is a growing need for cities to become more efficient, sustainable and liveable.

Smart city initiatives explore how advanced technologies such as data analytics, the internet of things and artificial intelligence can improve city operations and public services, reduce energy consumption, and enhance overall quality of life.

UK Connect, a leading provider of connectivity and communication solutions, has overseen the network transformation of Smart City property development Harrington Place in Woking. This collaboration reinforces UK Connect’s commitment to providing the connectivity cornerstone for the UK construction industry, enabling residents at Harrington Place to enjoy reliable, uninterrupted, superfast broadband.

Built by property developer ThamesWey, Harrington Place covers a 493 square metre area and consists of 148 self-contained flats for rent. Spanning a huge physical space, ThamesWey needed to leverage optimal network connectivity to provide residents with high-speed Internet and drive improvements across the Smart City development.

It is for the contempt of the past that President Tinubu made China the centre of gravity a week ago. While some media outlets and commentators washed up ink and airtime fulminating over Agbaero and his arrest without asking why, the president and his entourage focused on the future.

Ajaokuta Steel, neglected by a generation, is whirring back to life. Solid mineral tie-ups, infrastructure development, power generation, and deals amounting to billions of dollars. These were sweet pies that some commentators wanted to ignore as poison. Some had criticized two governors for accompanying the president. While all the critics saw was jamboree, what they accomplished was progress. They were smart, as smart as the smart cities they are working on.

A Surge in Innovation and Growth Through 2030

Portugal’s smart cities market is on a significant upward trajectory, fueled by substantial investments and strategic initiatives aimed at transforming urban living. The sector is set to experience remarkable growth over the coming years, driven by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and other key investments in digital and green technologies.

Islamabad took a significant step towards modernization with the launch of its first state-of-the-art digital parking system. The system has been created to meet international standards. Moreover, it aims to streamline vehicle parking and create awareness about the advantages of digitization among the public. The system was initially launched in the G-8 center. However, it is set to expand across other key areas of the city.

Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Ali Randhawa, visited the newly launched digital parking facility. Other board members and senior officers from relevant departments accompanied him. They were all briefed about the system’s functionality and plans for its expansion.

How Her Excellency Dr. Aisha Butti Bin Bishr, Director General of the Smart Dubai Office has played an important role in transforming Dubai.

Q:Talk us through your background.

I have over 27 years of experience in ICT development and the public sector, with a deep focus on digital transformation. My career began in the UAE government, where I held various roles that allowed me to contribute to the nation’s vision for innovation and progress. One of the most significant milestones in my career was being appointed as the first woman to develop a smart city from the ground up. As the founding Director General of Smart Dubai, now known as Digital Dubai, I had the privilege of leading the city’s transformation into one of the world’s smartest and most connected cities. My work has always been guided by a people-centric approach, where technology serves as an enabler to enhance the quality of life and promote happiness among residents.

Muscat, Oman’s capital, is famous for its low-rise buildings and long history. Unlike Dubai, known for its skyscrapers, Muscat has preserved its traditional look. However, now, as Oman plans for a future without oil, it is working to modernize the city with a $2.6 billion Smart City project.

The country is pouring billions of dollars into new projects. One of the biggest is Sultan Haitham City. This new development will focus on keeping buildings low while providing homes for both locals and visitors, according to The Wall Street Journal’s YouTube video earlier this month.

The people of Panjim had to live through a nightmare in order that the fundamental framework for a smart sewerage system that has taken at least two years and is still not completed, will be accomplished.

It is unlikely that any other smart city in India had to endure so much which led to a few deaths as well as innumerable accidents and a long penury for the people of the capital city. It is thus in this context, that the residents of the city deserve not by default but by merit a smart city that can be set up by providing for, by means of transforming the landscape of the city.

Establishing innovation hubs and fostering tech education drives entrepreneurship by empowering individuals to create localized solutions to pressing challenges. This approach enables African nations to develop indigenous technologies in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education, decreasing their dependence on foreign innovations.

The Rwandan government, led by Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente, has inaugurated the construction phase of the Kigali Innovation City (KIC), a major initiative aimed at advancing technological innovation in Rwanda. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 10 in Kigali’s Special Economic Zone, Gasabo District.

A Smart City Committee has been established to coordinate efforts of various agencies in the development of smart cities across Sarawak, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

The Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Minister, emphasised that building smart cities requires a concerted effort among various agencies.