IfG.CC - The Potsdam eGovernment Competence Center

Above Clematis Street in Downtown West Palm Beach, sensors mounted on black poles are recording and tracking the movement of pedestrians, drivers and pests like raccoons.

Posters with QR codes alongside the sensors direct residents to a website with information about a new project that could improve mobility, traffic efficiency and public safety.

Muscat Municipality is participating in COMEX 2024 with a strong focus on its ongoing efforts to transform Muscat into a "Smart and Sustainable City," aligning with its comprehensive digital transformation strategy.

Its booth features an extensive range of digital services designed to simplify and streamline transactions for citizens and residents. These services, part of a broader initiative to enhance electronic readiness and leverage modern information technologies, aim to eliminate the need for physical visits to administrative offices, thereby improving the overall quality of life in Muscat.

Comprehensive urban planning must address issues such as land use, transportation, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and social equity.

Faridabad, a bustling city in the National Capital Region (NCR) of India, has been on a trajectory of rapid urbanization. As it seeks to embrace the future, the concept of a smart city has emerged as a beacon of progress, offering a vision of urban development that is sustainable, technologically advanced, and inclusive. In this article, we explore the potential for Faridabad to transition into a smart city, focusing on the scope of real estate developments, ongoing projects, roadway initiatives, the significance of planning, and the integration of modern architecture.

As cities globally accelerate their transformation into “smart cities,” the integration of a capable computing ecosystem to complement smart city initiatives has become an important part of smart city success. How critical will edge computing be in that ecosystem, and in the facilitation of today’s and tomorrow’s smart city projects, especially with where smart city development is at today?

The recent IMD Smart City Index for 2024 gives a peak at global smart city progress, with Europe and Asia currently setting the standard for the most advanced smart cities. Cities like Zurich are staying at the forefront, with other cities like Oslo and Singapore not far behind; their projects shine a light on how far along smart cities are, and therefore how far along their computing needs are as well.

Although ultra-connected, today’s smart city suffers from a chronic cybersecurity shortfall in its urban mobility equipment. As players in the urban mobility sector become increasingly diverse, we focus on the growing frequency and intensity of cyberattacks that undermine a connected but vulnerable mobility fleet. First paper in a series of articles on cybersecurity issues in smart and connected cities.

This morning in June 2023, in Olsztyn, Poland, the municipality is on alert: public transport ticket offices are at a standstill, traffic is slowing down on many of the city’s roads and the traffic light management system is operating in degraded mode. The day before, a cyberattack targeted the connected transport infrastructure of this Polish city, which presents itself as one of the most advanced smart cities in the country.

Experts at GovInsider’s Festival of Innovation highlighted that strategic smart city planning must address citizens’ needs and concerns.

South Korea’s Songdo City is one of the smartest cities in the world, with sensors on the streets that monitor traffic flow and waste management. Yet, the city is empty for the most part as the population remains almost half of its desired target of 300,000.

This shows that even though a city may be smart, it may not be liveable. Making a city both smart and liveable was the key challenge highlighted by speakers at several smart city panels at this year’s Festival of Innovation hosted by GovInsider.

The Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) stated that around 50 Letters of Intent (LOI) were received in connection with the development of IKN Smart City technology in East Kalimantan.

"There are more than 50 LOI showing interest for smart city technology at IKN," OIKN's Deputy for Green and Digital Transformation, Mohammed Ali Berawi, remarked in Jakarta on Monday.

Global city leaders and experts met in Geneva, Tuesday, to discuss people-centered and climate-resilient urban development, highlighting the importance of aligning smart city initiatives with the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals, safeguarding human rights, enhancing social inclusion and advancing climate resilience strategies.

At Smart City Leaders’ Talk, a high-level event co-organized by the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO) and Global Cities Hub (GCH), multiple speakers including International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Deputy Secretary General Tomas Lamanauskas and Peggy Hicks, director of Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), talked about the role of international organizations in smart city development.

After years of delay, Greece is again on the path of giving a futuristic makeover to an unused airport and turning it into the “largest smart city” in Europe.

The massive smart city project will be built on the former Ellinikon Airport site near Athens. Geographically, the defunct airport is located on the southern coast of Greece.

Two companies will collaborate on the development and deployment of Smart City solutions, according to a bourse filing

Big data analytics company Presight AI Holding, a subsidiary of UAE's G42, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dell Technologies to accelerate digital transformation and innovation across various sectors in the Middle East through the integration of technology and big data analytics.

In a significant move towards digital transformation, the Ministry of Justice has launched a new service allowing citizens to pay civil fines through the “Sahel” application. The announcement was made by Dr. Muhammad Al-Wasmi, the Minister of Justice and Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.

According to a statement on the Ministry’s official “X” account, this new service enables users to view their outstanding cases requiring payment of civil fines. Once the fines are paid in full, any transaction restrictions imposed due to these fines will be lifted.

The event will discuss several themes in a context marked with challenges such as land scarcity, water stress, energy consumption as well as climate change.

WeCasablanca, a branding initiative dedicated to promoting Casablanca’s assets, announced that the eighth edition of Casablanca Smart City will kick off on June 5-6.

This year’s edition will discuss the theme “From Smart Citizen to Smart Metropolis,” serving as a platform to highlight the importance of urban development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) President Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi met today in Seoul with the Republic of Korea Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Sang-woo Park.

During the meeting, which was attended by Saudi Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Sami Al-Sadhan and several SDAIA officials, the two sides discussed prospects of cooperation between the two friendly countries in artificial intelligence (AI) and smart cities.

Data from the first smart city programme is now being used to speed up processes and launch Smart City 2.0, according to Suresh K.K, VP & Head - Platform Deployment and Applications at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).

Speaking at the Mint Digital Innovation Summit on Friday, Suresh said, “We never expected that the basic digitisation that we have done in the first 100 smart cities programme will churn out great results."

Dr Hassan Albalawi, CEO and co-founder, WakeCap, discusses technology's transformative impact on the construction industry, smart cities, and future innovations

The swift evolution of technology in the construction industry has been transforming processes over recent years, resulting in a safer, more efficient and cost-effective outcome. The traditional image of the construction industry has evolved rapidly to meet the demands of superior, smart mega projects that are designed to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life for residents. Embracing technology has now become a prerequisite for the sector to meet the standards set by these new urban developments.

The Harbour City missed out on making it into the top twenty in the 2024 Smart City Index

Think your scorecard at trivia is rapidly declining? You might not be wrong – with the 2024 Smart Cities Index revealing that Sydney’s smart status is on a downhill trajectory. The annual study has released its list of the smartest cities for 2024, and this year, the Harbour City didn’t even make the top twenty – dropping from 18th smartest city in the world in 2023 to the 22nd smartest in 2024.

Our nation’s capital, Canberra, just clinched the third spot in the global ranking, holding its ground against 141 other contenders. Bravo, to the 'Berra! But what does it mean for Sydneysiders?

Bangkok Land, a Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)-listed company, is poised to transform Mueang Thong Thani into a smart city district. This ambitious plan includes the establishment of a new seafood and fruit centre aimed at providing affordable goods to attract tourists to Nonthaburi. The development is strategically timed to coincide with the launch of the Pink Line monorail service, set to commence operations next year.

Paul Kanjanapas, Chief Executive of Bangkok Land and operator of Impact Exhibition Management, highlighted that Mueang Thong Thani is home to approximately 300,000 residents, with about 200,000 commuting daily. The development initiative aims not only to increase revenue for residents and local businesses, such as restaurants but also to promote sustainable development practices. These include energy-saving measures and safety management, enhanced by future artificial intelligence technologies.

In a bid to enhance traffic management and enforcement, the Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) has introduced cutting-edge technology in the city. High-resolution cameras equipped with radar and artificial intelligence (AI) tools have been installed to monitor traffic flow and detect violations effectively.

Dynamic municipality leverages Wi-Fi 6E and AI-powered networking to help build a vibrant civic life that attracts more than 130 corporate headquarters while generating municipal operations savings of up to 50 percent

The City of Carmel, Indiana is committed to building out its smart city infrastructure, ranging from free public Wi-Fi across 60 venues to public safety systems. Their end-to-end wired and wireless deployment from HPE Aruba Networking improves public and staff mobility in support of the city’s thriving arts scene, numerous seasonal festivals, and other public amenities that contribute to livability.

Recent news reveals more about the Sultan Haitham City project and its stages that have started. This ambitious national project is tied to the term "smart city," which represents a new phase in human civilisation adopting what is known as the”digital society”.

The Sultanate of Oman's ambition to keep up with digital and technological advancements is based on the vision of the country's leader, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. His Majesty has given special attention to digital projects and their role in sustainable development, and the Sultan Haitham City project reflects this noble vision.

Only one Australian city has been named among the world's 'smartest cities' based on green spaces and technological advancements.

We hate to break it to you but while Sydney and Melbourne were arguing over who has the better coffee, Canberra was officially named one of the ‘smartest’ cities in the world. The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) has recently released its Smart Cities Index studying 142 cities around the world on factors such as economic and technological advancements and sustainability with Zurich topping the list for the fifth year running. It was followed by Oslo in Norway at number 2 and Canberra in the third spot making it the only Aussie city in the top 20.

In what is being called a bid to bridge the digital divide and embrace the concept of Smart Cities, sources report that Cornell University researchers recently presented their vision to municipal officials and practitioners in Binghamton.

Sources claim that with the power of the "Internet of Things" (IoT), researchers hope to lay the foundation for a technologically advanced and interconnected city.

If everything goes according to plan, over 350 electric buses will be pressed into service soon on the roads of Hubballi-Dharwad and Belagavi.

The North-Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), in order to provide better and luxurious service to its commuters, has floated a tender to get 350 e-buses on a gross cost contract (GCC) model, which is getting closed.

Deep Diving Into The Ellinikon Development In Athens

The Ellinikon is making headlines as one of Europe’s largest urban regeneration projects currently underway in Athens, Greece. Rooted in the principles of a ’15-minute city,’ the €8 billion masterplan is spearheaded by LAMDA Development and offers a comprehensive 360-degree experience to its residents, tenants, guests, and employees. This transformation will revive the obsolete site of the Athens International Airport, which operated from 1938 until 2001, before the Marina was developed to host the Sailing Centre for Athens’ 2004 Summer Olympics.

Smart cities represent the future of urban living, utilizing technology to improve the efficiency of services and meet residents’ needs more effectively. These cities leverage data and technology to enhance everything from transportation and healthcare to energy use and public safety, offering a more sustainable and convenient lifestyle for their inhabitants.

The backbone of a smart city is its integrated technology framework, which includes the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT devices connect various elements of the urban landscape—from traffic lights and cars to energy meters and building management systems—allowing for real-time data collection and analysis. This connectivity enables city officials to make informed decisions that boost efficiency and reduce costs.

The government has decided to constitute a Commission to be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for national digitisation in the country.

This was stated by Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who further stated that the government will do legislation for national digitisation in the country as there is a paradigm shift and needs automation for increased transparency and infrastructure development.

Korupolu discussed several key points during the podcast, focusing on the current state of urban planning policies and their implementation.

Ajitesh Korupolu, the founder and CEO of ASBL, emphasized the need for urban planning to prioritize the well-being and happiness of citizens. In a recent podcast, he asserted that cities should evolve with a “happiness-centric” approach to enhance residents’ quality of life.

Pasay City makes history as it announced the development of Pasay Eco City, the first truly sustainable eco city in the Philippines.

“We have established, among other things, our grand vision that integrates economic prowess with being environmentally sound and sustainable—Pasay City as the first ever Eco City in the country,” proclaimed Pasay Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano.

The Hanoi government is seeking investors for a new urban area in the suburban district of Dong Anh to meet the unmatched housing demand of its residents.

The Smart-Ecological Urban Area will cover 268 hectares in Tam Xa, Vinh Ngoc, and Xuan Canh communes, with a potential investment of VND33,093 billion ($1.3 billion), excluding costs of site clearance, resettlement, and land rental.

These are the smartest cities in the world, according to data from the IMD Smart City Index 2024.

• Smart cities integrate various aspects like transportation, energy, healthcare, and governance to create efficient urban environments.
• Lausanne, Copenhagen, Singapore, Geneva, Canberra, Oslo, and Zurich are top-rated cities with impressive smart initiatives.
• From eco-friendly transportation to innovative energy solutions, these cities are leading the way in sustainable urban development.

The Muntinlupa City government held the groundbreaking ceremony to upgrade the facilities at the police headquarters as part of its smart city plan.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the groundbreaking ceremony at the Philippine National Police-Muntinlupa headquarters in Barangay Tunasan.

According to the World Economic Forum, “a smart city is one that uses technology to efficiently engage citizens and meet their needs.”

How are smart cities defined by the government? What are the two major aspects of the Smart Cities Mission? Why is the mission considered to be exclusionary to many? Did the SCM override the 74th Constitutional Amendment?

The story so far: The Smart Cities Mission (SCM), a flagship programme of the NDA-1 government, has taken a back seat in this year’s list of poll promises and achievements.

All 100 e-buses to be operational within couple of days in Jammu Training of drivers completed, charging stations set up at Katra, Udhampur & Kathua

In a significant move towards sustainable urban mobility, the Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) has finalised preparations to introduce 100 high-tech e-buses equipped with cutting-edge amenities. Each e-bus is outfitted with five CCTV cameras and charging points, ensuring seamless operations and enhanced passenger safety.

We assess how The Line combines advanced logistics, environmental integration, and smart city solutions to craft the urban future

The Line, part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious NEOM project, represents a revolutionary approach to urban development. Announced in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this linear city aims to redefine modern living by prioritising human and environmental well-being over traditional urban sprawl and inefficient infrastructure.

The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) of Bahrain has teamed up with global technology leader Thales to comprehensively overhaul the country's ID card system, particularly the Central Population Registry (CPR) card.

This strategic move aligns with the directives of Shaikh Rashid Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology (MCICT), aimed at advancing the Kingdom of Bahrain's digital infrastructure.

Go Manila App is a mobile app launched by the local government of the city of Manila in 2020 for people living in the city. It is supposed to provide seamless connectivity to its users and allow them to pay utility bills, fines, taxes, loans, etc., online. It was built under the administration of Mayor of Manila Francisco Moreno Domagoso. According to the city government, it is their first initiative to make the city of Manila an actual smart city of the 21st century.

What is the Go Manila App?

As mentioned before, the Go Manila App is a kind of citizen portal for the people living in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. The reason behind creating this app was to improve the city and make it more like a smart city. A city that uses advanced technology and seamless connectivity to improve transportation, energy, public security, and health care.

The integrated command and control centre (ICCC) of the city corporation has commenced full-scale operations. The centre, which was inaugurated in March, not only monitors the city through CCTV cameras but also provides facilities to access service details, receive accident alerts, and control them. It has consolidated all the city-related information.Additionally, a traffic control centre has been established at Nandavanam for this purpose.

One of the primary functions of the traffic control centre is to manage traffic signals dynamically, adjusting them in response to real-time traffic congestion. This proactive approach to traffic management helps mitigate bottlenecks and ensure a smoother flow of vehicles. Additionally, the centre plays a crucial role in handling emergencies, coordinating with various departments to provide prompt and effective responses.

The Havel Corporate Concept, an affiliate of ioSafe Nigeria, has unveiled projects designed to transform Abuja into a smart city.

The Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Dr Ahmed Badanga, unveiled the projects at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday.

Badanga identified the projects as Abuja Smart City Project and Abuja Residents Smart Card Project.

The City Government of Magelang, Central Java, socialized the map of the electronic-based government system (SPBE) in support of the 2022 "Smart City" implementation. explain this activity to support the implementation of "Smart City" 2022 and provide understanding to OPD on their respective roles. Development of the City of Magelang," he said quoted by Antara. The target of the socialization was 60 participants who were the heads of the OPD, sub-district heads, village heads, and BUMD directors in Magelang City where all participants were interested parties and had an important role in accelerating the implementation of SPBE towards transformation. digital in local government. Wikan conveyed the results of this socialization, among others, an action plan that is aligned and guided by the Magelang City SPBE plan map document for 2021-2026, and optimization of SPBE implementation in Magelang City. economical, and complete," he said. Mayor of Magelang Muchamad Nur Aziz is optimistic that the Magelang City Government can implement SPBE because it is a mandate of the bureaucratic reform law.

Hanoi was ranked among the world’s 100 smartest cities, according to the 2024 Smart City Index. The index was produced by the Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Center’s Smart City Observatory in collaboration with the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO).

This year, Hanoi ranked 97th, up 3 places compared to last year. This result is partly due to the city’s initial achievements in digital transformation. For the first time, municipal leaders used completely digital signatures on a shared software for the administrative system. All state agencies in the capital city have applied digital signatures. A number of shared information databases have been deployed to administrations at all levels to better serve internal operations and handle administrative procedures.

Smart city conjures up images of futuristic urban landscapes with innovative technology, yet at their core, smart cities are about enhancing quality of life through the intelligent use of information and communication technologies, explains Andrea Sorri at Axis Communications.

Cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai stand as recognised leaders in smart urban living, epitomising technological advancement. Meanwhile, Doha and Riyadh are steadily progressing towards becoming smart cities. Areas such as Doha’s Msheireb district showcase promising advancements, while Riyadh is poised for substantial growth, with plans to double its size over the next seven years through ambitious infrastructure projects totalling $1 trillion.

What will the cities of the future look like? Many architects have created visions of sustainable Utopias around the world - but what about the cities that could really be built? Around the world, projects are raising money (and beginning to build) some startlingly ambitious cities - from a Utopian city in an American desert to an AI-powered desert metropolis with its own ski resort in Saudi Arabia.

There are few experiences more soul-sucking than sitting in traffic. According to NPR, the average American lost nearly an hour a week to traffic congestion in 2022. Drivers lose an additional 17 hours per year hunting for parking, USA Today reports — and in the same survey, 34 percent of U.S. drivers said they had given up on a trip because of parking problems.

By contrast: Picture living in a bustling neighborhood where all your friends, basic needs, and even your job are reachable by a quick walk or bike or bus ride. (Something many people experience, possibly for the first and last time, on college campuses.) In such a city, parking areas may have been reclaimed as urban greenways, chance encounters with neighbors might be more common, and small local businesses would proliferate and thrive.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s recent statement about the government spending a massive amount of Rs 150 crore to install 150 closed circuit television cameras across the city as part of the Shillong Integrated Command and Control Centre (SICCC), has become the subject of online trolling with social media users pointing fingers at the huge expenditure and terming it as another scam in the making.

Social media users pointed out that the government was spending almost Rs 50 lakh on each CCTV camera, forcing the Shillong Smart City Project to issue a clarification on Tuesday, denying charges of spending such a huge amount on mere installation of CCTV cameras.

Busan’s mayor is taking a collaborative approach to championing “happy proximity,” turning his city into a living laboratory for urban regeneration.

Located in the southeast of the Korean peninsula, Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city and a economic, cultural and educational center. Its port, the largest in the country and the ninth largest in the world, has made Busan an international trading hub. Home to nearly 3.7 million people, Busan ranks just after Seoul in terms of population; its urban area, with around 8.65 million residents in 2021, ranks second nationally.

Introduction

As urbanization accelerates globally, smart city technologies play a crucial role. Advanced electronic components such as sensors, connectors, and microcontrollers allow smart cities to effectively address challenges in traffic, energy, and security. By optimizing urban operations, these technologies enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability, significantly improving residents’ quality of life.

Electronic bus tickets are one of the important solutions helping transform Hà Nội into a smart city, bringing many benefits to the city and public transport users.

There are a total of 38 bus routes using electronic tickets under the pilot programme on the multi-modal ticket system for public transport in Hà Nội, said Nguyễn Phi Thường, director of the Hà Nội Department of Transport.

The Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC) has directed Sugam Swacchata Agency, which has been assigned door-to-door garbage collection and its processing, to integrate its system, including vehicles involved in waste lifting and transportation, with the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), an ambitious project of the Union Government under the Smart City Mission.

The aim of this step is to enable real-time tracking of vehicles and the processing of solid waste management plant operations, grievance redressal, and monitoring of garbage vulnerable points.

A master plan for the establishment of Sohar Smart City has been released by global architecture and design studio Hassell.

It was appointed by Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to design a master plan that will position Sohar as a centre of trade, commerce and innovation by 2040.

Part of the broader Sohar Master Plan, the new city will capitalise on the economic growth resulting from the free port and arrival of an international rail link to Abu Dhabi. It will include over 19,000 new homes and 520,000sqm of office space, besides schools, mosques, hospitals and a new commuter railway station.

In a recent announcement, Yousef Kazem, the official spokesman for the unified government application for electronic services (Sahel), revealed that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has introduced a new electronic service for renewing ration cards through the Sahel application.

This initiative, according to Kazem, is a direct response to the directives issued by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Abdullah Al-Joaan, emphasizing the need to streamline procedures and enhance accessibility to ministry services, especially those catering to citizens. The goal is to expedite transactions and simplify processes, making them more accessible via the Sahel application.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Saturday conducted a whirlwind tour of Srinagar city to take on-spot appraisal of progress on execution of several Smart City works being executed there.

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Chief Executive Officer, Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL); Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; SSP, Srinagar; SP, City Traffic; VC LCMA; MD KPDCL; besides other officers concerned from civil and police administration accompanied the Chief Secretary.

The Nusantara City Capital Authority (OIKN) signed a grant agreement with the United States in order to realize Nusantara as a smart forest city.

OIKN's Deputy for Green and Digital Transformation Mohammed Ali Berawi noted in the agency's statement here on Saturday that the construction of Nusantara City in East Kalimantan is a rare occurrence, as it pertains to moving the nation's capital.

Smart cities worldwide have made significant progress in their initiatives, embracing innovative technologies to enhance sustainability, and reduce carbon emissions. With the United Nations projecting that 70% of the global population will be in urban areas by 2050, the need for smarter urban infrastructure is clear. Implementing smart technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), has not only improved citizens' quality of life, but also improved public safety.

Here's a look at six leading smart cities around the globe:

Egypt has launched its first government data and cloud computing center.

Inaugurated on April 28 by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the data hub will serve as a central repository for all ministry data.

The facility will enable undefined artificial intelligence technology to be deployed across governmental operations including data analysis applications to help with decision-making, and will act as a centralized national data and disaster recovery center

Along the coast of Athens, a vast complex of homes, hotels, marinas and more is taking shape

On the southern coast of the Greek capital, a long-awaited plan to transform the city’s former airport into Europe’s largest smart city is finally gaining momentum.

After a decade of delays, a vision for the Ellinikon emerges. The Marina Tower, soon to be Greece’s first skyscraper, is starting to rise. Iron skeletons of apartments are taking shape. Standing at the marina, overlooking the Saronic Gulf on one side and the tower on the other, it is possible to imagine the future city, which will have the open spaces, sustainable energy sources and abundant green spaces that Athens currently lacks.

Smart city specialized complexes will be created in areas that are likely to grow into smart city industrial bases. On the 1st, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that the "4th Smart City Comprehensive Plan for 2024-2028", which includes such contents, was confirmed at the deliberation of the National Smart City Committee held on the 30th of last month.

The Smart City Comprehensive Plan is the best legal plan in the smart city field established every five years under the Smart City Act. It will be established after deliberation by the National Smart City Committee, which consists of 24 members, including the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the vice ministers of related ministries, and private members.

How cities are leveraging innovative approaches to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and user experience in public transport to build more inclusive cities.

As cities grapple with increasing urbanisation and the need for sustainable transportation solutions, the intersection of technology and transit-centred design is playing a pivotal role in transforming public transport networks.

Digital kiosks have been popping up across the country – in Denver, Atlanta, Miami, and Houston.

"You can't be a smart city unless you have smart technology," said then-mayor Sylvester Turner when Houston introduced them in 2022.

The city of Dallas says the signs can be used to provide free public wifi to an area, broadcast emergency alerts in real-time, and help direct visitors to the city's attractions and restaurants.

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has harped on the necessity of cultivating a cadre of Information and Communication Technology, ICT, experts capable of navigating the complexities of the digital era.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Aminu Maida spoke at the 2nd West Africa Communications Infrastructure Conference and Exhibition in Lagos, where he emphasized the imperative of nurturing local talent to effectively address the evolving demands of the technology landscape.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said it is important to nurture a generation of Information and Communication Technology specialists equipped to handle the complexities of the digital economy.

Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC, made this known during the 2nd edition of the West African Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition held in Lagos on Friday.

The capital city of Nusantara (IKN) will be developed as a world-class capital that carries the concept of a smart city. The development of a smart city needs to be accompanied by the implementation of technology, which aims to increase the operational efficiency of cities, public services, and the quality of life of the community.

Deputy for Green Transformation and Digital Authority of IKN, Prof. Mohammed Ali Berawi, said that the smart transportation system (ITS) is one of the features of a smart city that will be developed at IKN.

Street benches which can power your phone could soon be making their way to Wrexham city centre as part of a regeneration scheme.

The so-called “smart” benches use solar power to charge the battery of mobile devices while you sit down.

Similar seats have already been installed elsewhere in North Wales after they were placed in the villages of Llanfair Talhaiarn and Llangernywl in Conwy in 2019.

The City of Carmona in nearby Cavite province is leveraging the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and international partners to advance its goal of becoming a “smart city.”

This can be gleaned after the Carmona City government signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with DOST's Innovation, Science, and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-based Development Program (iSTART).

Makkah has reached the 52nd position in the global Smart City Index, the fifth in the Arab world, and the second in the Kingdom, after Riyadh

The Holy Makkah Municipality, in cooperation with several relevant authorities, has taken steps to expand e-services and applications, and create infrastructure supportive of its smart city transformation plans and strategies, including establishing smart parks, multi-level parking lots, technology-operated facilities, and other measures that contribute toward achieving this comprehensive vision.

As the CEO of Blok, a leading player in Cape Town’s urban property development landscape, Jacques van Embden has witnessed first-hand the transformative power of technology in shaping the city’s future. Jacques explores this trend and how, in recent years, Cape Town has been at the forefront of the smart city revolution, leveraging data and innovation to enhance the lives of its citizens while promoting sustainable urban development and environmental conservation.

At the heart of the smart city concept lies the notion of accessibility to information. Historically, understanding how citizens interact with their city was based largely on assumptions and intuition, given the sheer complexity that comes with trying to track the movements of millions of residents. But that’s starting to change thanks to the concept of the Smart City.

The Minister of the Interior, Taulant Balla, during his two-day official visit to Abu Dhabi, signed the agreement for the development of the "Smart City" project in several cities of Albania.

This project aims to increase security in the community, protect life, private property, and monitor road traffic.

This will be realized through a comprehensive technological solution system.

The forthcoming guidelines aim to inform the development of national and local smart city regulations, plans, and strategies and fill global “normative gaps”.

UN-Habitat, the United Nations entity responsible for sustainable urbanisation, has begun drafting the first international guidelines on people-centred smart cities.

Endorsed by all 193 Member States of the United Nations, the guidelines seek to fill global “normative gaps” in the domain of smart cities and digitalisation.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Pham Duc Long said the decisive factor for smart city development will be data sharing.

Smart City Asia 2024, an international forum and exhibition on smart urban area development, was held in HCM City recently which gathered 150 businesses.

Vietnamese government officials have repeatedly affirmed that developing smart cities is a trend and is not a new matter in Vietnam. What the country needs to do is deploy the plan effectively long term for sustainable development.

“This LoI will provide long-term benefits to both cities and will help further increase investment and provide ample opportunities for high technology exchange, especially in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and the development of startup company ecosystems between Malaysia and the People's Republic of China.

“This LoI will also open important prospects for entrepreneurs and communication technology players in both countries to continue to innovate and advance technology," she said in a statement.

For the modern urban dweller, 15 minutes is a lot of time.

A lot of productive things can be done – a high-intensity, interval training (HITT) workout or run a 1.5-kilometer route, clearing your emails, meditating, catching up on the news, or preparing a quick smoothie – all within 15 minutes.

But for the Metro Manila commuter, 15 minutes is barely enough to get from point A to point B. During rush hour, it is most likely that within this time, you still haven’t moved an inch.

Smart cities are the future of urban living, and technology plays a crucial role in connecting communities and making cities more efficient, sustainable, and livable. From smart transportation systems to energy-efficient buildings, technology is transforming the way we live, work, and play in urban environments. In this article, we will explore the importance of technology in building smart cities and how it can help create a more connected and inclusive community.

Synchronisation with Vahan app awaited

The project of e-challaning of traffic offenders by way of sending SMS or e-mail under Amritsar Smart City project was yet to see the light of the day. It was a part of the Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC) project established at the municipal corporation office.

Under the project as many 1,114 high definitions CCTV cameras were to be installed at 409 intersections in the city. Till now, 1,037 cameras were installed, out of which 954 were operational at 376 chowks. Nevertheless, the project worth Rs 91 crore has already jumped several deadlines since its commencement in October 2022.

As cities worldwide embrace the smart city revolution, a robust and future-ready network cabling infrastructure has emerged as the backbone enabling this transformation. From intelligent traffic management to e-governance services, the seamless connectivity and massive data throughput required for cutting-edge smart city applications rely heavily on the deployment of high-quality, high-bandwidth cabling networks.

This article delves into the indispensable role of network cabling in powering smart cities. It explores its evolution, integration challenges, sustainability considerations, and the future of wired and wireless convergence.

Kenya on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Nations that seeks to boost the development of Konza Technopolis, located about 70 km south of the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.

UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya Stephen Jackson said the agreement will provide a raft of interrelationships with various UN agencies based in Nairobi.

A significant shortcoming of the Smart City Mission is its lack of engagement with the community, the key beneficiaries of any urban development initiative

A decade after its inception under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) has been overshadowed by a new and more expansive initiative, 'The Ease of Living in Cities.'