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TueDec102024
AE: You’ll soon be able to pay for parking in Dubai using your Salik account
And these are the neighbourhoods affected
Paying for parking is about to get a lot easier in Dubai.
Tollgate operator Salik has teamed up with Parkonic, the UAE’s largest private parking operator, to bring parking solutions to numerous parking sites across Dubai.
Parkonic is set to collaborate with Salik and use its eWallet system across 107 locations, modernising how UAE residents and visitors will pay for parking.
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TueDec102024
IN: Maharashtra: Pune Smart city retains control of ATMS
The decision to hand over responsibility for the system to the Smart City Company will be finalized in the upcoming meeting of its board of directors as confirmed by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B. P
In a surprising turn, Pune Smart City Development Corporation Limited (PSCDCL) has decided to continue managing the ‘Adaptive Traffic Management System’ (ATMS) for the next five years, reversing earlier plans to hand over the project to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). Now, PMC will pay maintenance charges to PSCDCL as per an agreement. The ATMS launched by PSCDCL with help of PMC aims to reduce traffic congestion in Pune by synchronizing traffic signals, making it a critical component of the city’s smart infrastructure initiatives.
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TueDec102024
MY: New smart city programme in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah to help develop a high-skilled workforce
Local community engagement will be carried out, including e-commerce initiatives and ICT training at the National Information Dissemination Centre in Kota Kinabalu.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Kota Kinabalu City Hall (Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, also known as DBKK) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) securing a cooperation to implement a smart city programme in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
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MonDec092024
Smart cities in Vietnam: Challenges and opportunities for sustainable growth
The Vietnam-Asia Smart Cities Summit 2024 highlights strategies for digital transformation and sustainable urban development, drawing lessons from global successes.
Developing smart cities is not merely about advancing technology but creating sustainable societies centered on people. This perspective, emphasized by RMIT Vietnam expert Associate Professor Nguyen Quang Trung, calls for a comprehensive approach that integrates governance, sustainability, and inclusivity.
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MonDec092024
GB: Government unveils integrated transport vision for England
The new, locally led and people-first transport strategy aims to join up transport networks as well as empower local leaders and drive economic growth.
The UK Government has set a vision for a more joined up, locally led and people-first transport across England. It said it recognises that different passengers have different needs, and the quality of transport varies across the country and wants to support local areas to make all forms of transport work together better.
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MonDec092024
IN: West-Bengal: Kolkata: Yatri Sathi app launches digital ticket booking for WBTC buses
West Bengal's Transport Department, through its ‘Yatri Sathi App’, as developed by the IT&E Department, has launched digital bus ticket booking services for the buses operated by WBTC.
This new feature is currently available on 12 pilot routes connecting the airport.
It will expand to cover the entire WBTC network in Kolkata soon.
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SunDec082024
VC: Public-Private Partnership Driving SVG’s Digital Transformation
Government Partners with Private Sector to Drive Digital Transformation
The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues to lead the charge toward digital transformation, working closely with private sector partners like Digi-Cell to modernize infrastructure and services. Hon. Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance, highlighted the critical role private companies play in advancing the nation’s digital agenda.
“Digicel has been an invaluable partner in our efforts to enhance connectivity and improve access across the islands,” said Minister Gonsalves. “From expanding fiber-optic networks to promoting digital adoption in the private sector, their contributions align perfectly with the government’s vision of a digitally empowered St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”
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SunDec082024
PK: Govt should apply smart city concept in Sindh: Altaf Shakoor
The government should apply the concept of smart cities in Sindh, as modern technology has made it possible to develop our major and secondary cities and towns swiftly, said Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor here Sunday.
He said there are several benefits of smart cities. They the potential to significantly improve the level of transport available across the city. They improve the ability to better manage traffic, track public transportation and better serve the citizens with consistent information and lower prices.
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SunDec082024
VN: Australia, Ho Chi Minh City join hands to boost digital transformation, study super city governance
The Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies (HIDS) and the Australia-Vietnam Policy Institute (AVPI) on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding on digital transformation, energy transition, green economy, and super city governance using technology.
This is a milestone in the two institutes’ cooperation, a follow-up to a Ho Chi Minh City delegation’s visit to Australia in May this year.
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SatDec072024
IN: Punjab: CCTV-based traffic management in Mohali
The much-awaited CCTV-based surveillance and traffic management system has been made operational at 11 points in Mohali and is in test mode. “Work is in progress at five more points, while four points will be made operational soon,” said additional deputy commissioner (general and urban development) Viraj S Tidke.
Tidke assessed the progress of CCTV installation under the City Surveillance & Traffic Management System with MC commissioner T Benith and GMADA additional chief administrator (ADA) Amarinder Singh Tiwana. Jaswinder Singh, executive engineer of Punjab Police Housing Corporation, briefed the ADC and other officers on the progress of the installation of CCTVs.
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SatDec072024
IN: UP’s Upcoming Smart City 'New Noida' Is Set To Outshine Gurugram
New Noida will be built to mirror the best features of modern foreign cities, with eco-friendly buildings powered by solar energy and abundant green spaces.
The Uttar Pradesh government’s ambitious vision for a new, state-of-the-art city, New Noida, has officially been approved. Located across 84 villages in the Dadri and Bulandshahr regions, this futuristic city promises to be one of the most modern and technologically advanced urban hubs in the country, poised to outshine Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad.
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FriDec062024
EE: Tallinn focuses on developing a 15-minute city and enhancing quality of life
Tallinn’s 2025 budget emphasises the principles of the approach and an analysis of the spatial distribution of services. The City reports it will enable more efficient planning for new kindergartens, schools, and services for seniors, improving accessibility and aligning with community needs.
The proposed budget allocates €6.1m to urban planning operations for the coming year. Key priorities include shaping Tallinn’s spatial identity through comprehensive plans, directing the development of urban and mobility centres, and enhancing street spaces into high-quality public environments.
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FriDec062024
Agreement signed to bolster UAE’s smart city infrastructure
Salik Company (Salik), Dubai’s exclusive toll gate operator, announces it has partnered with Parkonic, the UAE’s largest private sector parking operator, known for its cutting-edge AI-powered free-flow parking systems.
Salik collaborates with Parkonic, the largest private parking operator in the UAE, and expands geographically for the first time beyond the Emirate of Dubai.
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FriDec062024
IN: Thirteen of 100 smart cities have completed all their projects: Centre
In a written reply to a question, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu said more than 84,000 CCTV surveillance cameras have been installed and 713 kilometres of cycle tracks developed in 100 smart cities so far.
Thirteen out of 100 smart cities have completed all their projects, while 48 cities have achieved over 90 per cent completion under the Smart Cities Mission, the Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday. In a written reply to a question, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu said more than 84,000 CCTV surveillance cameras have been installed and 713 kilometres of cycle tracks developed in 100 smart cities so far.
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FriDec062024
Sikhio Smart Living: Redefining Thailand's Smart City Future
MDES and depa's project transforms Sikhio into a model smart city, enhancing safety, services, and urban management.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) have showcased the achievements of the SIKHIO SMART LIVING project, which has transformed Sikhio into a fully-fledged smart city. The initiative focuses on enhancing safety, public service delivery, and urban data management, aiming to improve the efficiency of services and city management for citizens, society, and local communities.
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ThuDec052024
IN: Haryana: GMDA to strengthen city bus services in Gurugram
To accelerate infrastructure development to support seamless public transport services in city A. Sreenivas, Chief Executive Officer of Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), chaired a review meeting of the Gurugram Metropolitan City Bus Limited (GMCBL) on Wednesday.
The meeting was attended by senior officers of GMCBL and officials of Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) Ltd.
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ThuDec052024
IN: 39 smart cities offer free WiFi service: Minister in Lok Sabha
Data consumption in a city ranges from zero to 15GB per day depending on the location of the WiFi hotspot, population, service quality, service accessibility.
Thirty nine of the 100 cities selected under the Smart Cities Mission currently offer free WiFi services under the Smart City projects, minister of state for communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday in a written response.
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ThuDec052024
Malaysia news agency throws support behind govt digital transformation efforts
MyKad and MyDigital ID upgrades announced
The Malaysian National News Agency, Bernama, will take a significant role supporting the country’s digital transformation, as it focuses on promoting safe and responsible internet use.
This will come not only from delivering news but in educational initiatives and raising public awareness on navigating the digital landscape. “It is crucial for the public to understand how to navigate the digital landscape wisely and safely,” Bernama CEO Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said.
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WedDec042024
Solar-Powered Smart Street Lights: A Step Towards the Smart City
As cities around the world evolve, the concept of a “smart city” has become increasingly popular. The idea centers around leveraging technology to improve urban living, making it more efficient, sustainable, and citizen-friendly. One vital step towards this vision is the adoption of solar-powered smart street lights. These innovative systems are transforming urban infrastructure, providing not only light but also contributing to a more sustainable and connected future.
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WedDec042024
US: AI could help cities tackle climate change, but only if it solves ‘real problems’: NYC climate chief
“We don’t need AI or big data to tell us with much greater detail how screwed we are as a city or as a planet,” Rohit Aggarwala said at Cornell Tech’s Urban Tech Summit last week.
City leaders don’t need artificial intelligence-driven technologies to tell them they have a climate change problem, at least in the eyes of Rohit Aggarwala, New York City’s chief climate officer.
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WedDec042024
NG: Tech Experts Unveil The Data Storage Behind Smart And Safe Cities
- Technology experts have unveiled the data storage systems that could safeguard Nigerian cities
- Tech experts at Western Digital Media stated that the growing adoption of smart city technologies presents opportunities to enhance urban living
- They disclose that technologies have brought a new era of progress to help navigate today’s complex societies
In Nigeria, the growing adoption of smart city technologies presents transformative opportunities to enhance urban living, improve public safety, and drive economic growth.
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WedDec042024
US: Morrisville, N.C., Clarifies Function of Data Sensors
Once several were damaged, local officials decided they needed to clarify what these sensors were and weren’t. Last year, the town posted a small sign beneath many clarifying their function.
Not everyone welcomed, or perhaps understood, the sensors.
“People at first thought they were cameras,” Morrisville Mayor TJ Cawley said. “So, people were damaging them because they didn’t want to be filmed.”
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TueDec032024
IN: Andhra Pradesh: Aim is to make Tirumala a smart-city, says new TTD chairman
Not looking for L1 concept for prasadam tenders, only A1 quality, says TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu
The new Chairman of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), BR Naidu, has said that the “cleansing process” at the organisation has begun in the right earnest and that the aim is to employ artificial intelligence and technology to good effect. Naidu, supported by a newly constituted TTD Board, said that the aim is to make Tirumala a “smart city”.
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TueDec032024
India to get 12 new industrial smart cities, project is worth Rs…, to generate over…, check names of cities here
The NICDC is developing these industrial smart cities with a "plug-and-play" system. Under this model, entrepreneurs will have access to all manufacturing-related facilities in one place, already set up and ready to use.
Following the government’s announcement to create a robust manufacturing ecosystem, land has been acquired from state governments in 10 states, including Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, for the development of 12 industrial smart cities. Work on building the necessary infrastructure is set to begin in March next year. These projects are targeted for completion within the next three years. The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation Limited (NICDC) is now initiating the process of selecting construction agencies for these projects.
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TueDec032024
Five key steps to transform UK government digital services
Public sector digitalization challenges and solutions for transformation success
As the world rapidly digitalizes, government agencies are under pressure to boost productivity and deliver the seamless, user-friendly services that people now expect. In the UK, this effort is driven by the government’s 2022-25 Roadmap for Digital and Data.
The Autumn Budget underscores Government’s growing commitment to supporting the public sector in digitizing its service delivery and improving outcomes. It allocates £2 billion for technology investment in the NHS and provides additional support for digital transformation in other public services. The time to leverage technology to optimize operations, increase productivity and empower the public sector is now.
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MonDec022024
OM: Muscat embarks on transformative projects to boost urban growth
Muscat governorate is undergoing a transformative phase with a series of ambitious projects aimed at enhancing development and the tourism landscape, according to Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat.
One of the standout projects is development of Sultan Haitham City, Oman’s first integrated smart city, spanning 14mn sqm.
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SunDec012024
Mapping minds: brain activity data can be used for smart city planning
Your brain activity could reveal how well-adapted you feel in your city. This data is precious for city officials and urban planners.
The percentage of people living in urban environments has increased from 33% in 1960 to 57% in 2023. And the urban population is forecast to more than double its current size by 2050, at which point nearly 7 out of 10 people will live in cities.
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SunDec012024
ZA: Limpopo: Polokwane Municipality’s grand plan towards smart city vision
Polokwane's Vision 2030 was launched to guide the city's long-term development with the vision aiming to transform Polokwane into a modern smart city.
Members of the mayoral committee of the Polokwane Municipality gathered in Mookgophong last Monday for a two-day Mayco strategic session where municipal manager Thuso Nemugumoni presented a clear vision for the future of Polokwane.
The presentation highlighted both the city’s opportunities and challenges as it moves toward its ambitious Vision 2030 goals.
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SatNov302024
IN: Goa: Smart City embarks on green tunnel road initiative to cool Panaji by 2 degrees C
The Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd (IPSCDL) has begun a tree-planting initiative along the roads, aiming to lower the temperature by up to 2 degrees C in the state capital.
Chief minister Pramod Sawant said that in alignment with sustainable development objectives, planting trees along roads remains the sole effective solution to maintain lower temperatures.
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SatNov302024
TAWAL and 5SKYE Unite to Drive Smart City Innovations in Saudi Arabia
TAWAL and 5SKYE partnered at Connected World KSA to deploy smart poles and micro-edge data centers, enabling 5G, IoT, and cost-efficient smart city solutions.
At the Connected World KSA event, TAWAL and 5SKYE signed a pivotal agreement to advance smart pole deployment and micro-edge data centers in Saudi Arabia. The signing, witnessed by Eng. Bassam AlBassam, Deputy Minister for Telecom and Infrastructure at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, underscores a shared commitment to enabling smart city solutions.
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SatNov302024
GB: Scotland: Green light for eco-friendly coastal town in Edinburgh
Development includes 847 net-zero ready homes on the city’s largest brownfield site, addressing the housing emergency and helping achieve climate action goals.
Plans for the largest regeneration project of its kind in Scotland for a new environmentally friendly coastal town in Edinburgh have been given the go-ahead.
The development includes 847 net-zero ready homes to be built in partnership with Cruden Homes on the Scottish capital’s largest brownfield site.
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FriNov292024
TW: How Local Governments Can Leverage Smart City Indicators to Enhance Urban Competitiveness
Smart city indicator tools have become essential for governments around the world to measure the effectiveness and competitiveness of their smart city initiatives. These tools range from globally recognized frameworks, such as the IMD Smart City Index, to indicators tailored to national and cultural contexts, such as Japan's SCI-Japan Liveable Well-Being City Index or the Thailand Smart City Competitiveness Index by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA). These systems are crucial in supporting policy formulation and guiding strategic initiatives for smart city development.
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FriNov292024
GB: Buckinghamshire: Milton Keynes uses drones to map area and create digital twin
Flights over city centre will map the area in detail and help to create a digital twin which can then be used to inform highways surveys and accident response.
Milton Keynes City Council is partnering to trial the use of drones with the aim of transforming the way essential and emergency services are delivered in the future.
Flights over the centre of the UK city will map the area in detail and help to create a digital twin which can then be used to inform highways surveys and accident response.
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FriNov292024
European Metacities Sign Partnership for Next-Gen Smart Cities at 5G Ecosystem Event in Europe
During the leading 5G ecosystem event in Europe, Techritory, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to commit to forming a European Metacities Partnership.
The Memorandum was signed by 15 public and private organizations from six European countries – Latvia, Greece, Bulgaria, Belgium, Finland, and Cyprus. By signing the MoU, the organizations have expressed their commitment to fostering greater collaboration and developing joint Metacity initiatives around Europe, as well as forming a European Metacities Partnership association in the future.
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FriNov292024
AE: Transforming Dubai: Dubai Customs’ Blockchain Platform in the Smart City Initiative
Dubai Customs has recently launched a groundbreaking blockchain platform to solidify further its status as a global hub for trade and innovation.
Overview
On July 8 2024, Dubai Media Office announced that the blockchain solution was launched as part of a broader strategy to cement Dubai’s position as a leading smart city. This initiative is part of Dubai’s ambitious Smart City efforts to revolutionise various sectors through advanced technologies. Integrating blockchain technology into Dubai Customs’ operations marks a significant step towards enhancing international trade efficiency, transparency, and security. Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, said, “This innovation reflects our vision to make Dubai a global hub of trade and logistics.”
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ThuNov282024
MY: 995 smart CCTV units in Greater Johor Baru
Number part of 1,500 AI-enabled cameras under Johor Safe initiative, says exco member
Installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras that utilise artificial intelligence (AI) are part of efforts to bring a unified smart infrastructure across Greater Johor Baru, says a state exco member.
Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said 995 of 1,500 such CCTV cameras are already in operation in key areas around Greater Johor Baru, with the rest to be installed within the next two years as part of the Johor Safe initiative.
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ThuNov282024
IN: Goa: Panaji: Smart City to track sapling growth with new app, public to have limited access
The Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd (IPSCDL) is set to launch a ‘Tree App’ as part of its Citizen App Panaji. This innovative tool will track the growth of saplings planted across the city.
Each sapling will be documented on the app, including its botanical and Konkani names, precise geolocation, initial height, and fencing status. A photo of each sapling will also be uploaded.
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ThuNov282024
IN: Andhra Pradesh: Plan to develop Vijayawada as a Smart City
Key projects included plans for a railway underpass, overpass, the BRTS Road to the railway station and bridges from Singh Nagar and Rajarajeswari Peta to Errakattu to ease traffic congestion.
Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath stated that the challenges faced by citizens would be resolved through joint efforts by the Central and State governments.
He, along with West Constituency MP Sujana Chaudhary, held a review meeting with Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) Commissioner HM Dhyanachandra and departmental heads at the VMC’s command control room on Tuesday.
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WedNov272024
South Korea partners with Saudi Arabia for digital twin smart city projects
Naver has partnered with Saudi Arabia’s National Housing Company to launch a digital twin venture, advancing smart city projects and urban planning.
South Korean Naver Corporation has partnered with Saudi Arabia’s National Housing Company to establish a joint venture focused on digital twin platform projects in the Middle East. Digital twin technology, which creates virtual replicas of real-world environments, will be central to the collaboration, enabling advanced urban planning, real-time monitoring, disaster prediction, and smart city development.
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WedNov272024
AI can drive urban efficiency in Africa
In South Africa, the vision of smart cities is more than just an aspiration – it’s a potential solution to some of the country’s most pressing urban challenges.
From traffic congestion to unreliable water supply and waste management inefficiencies, municipalities are struggling to deliver essential services to a growing population. While some regions have made progress with isolated projects, such as public bike-sharing schemes or ‘smart’ waste bins, these piecemeal efforts fall short of the true potential of smart cities.
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WedNov272024
The Future of Smart Cities Will Be Powered by Blockchain
Blockchain brings transparency, trust, and decentralized solutions to smart city challenges, making urban spaces more efficient, connected, and sustainable.
The concept of smart cities is driven by the goal of using technology to create an interconnected, intelligent urban environment. It creates a synergy between technology and our physical environment, improving quality of life and encouraging sustainable growth.
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TueNov262024
US: Colorado Smart Cities Alliance enters strategic partnership
Strategic collaboration seeks to accelerate adoption of smart city projects in the US with engineering solutions across mobility, sustainability and tech.
The Colorado Smart Cities Alliance (CSCA) has announced a strategic collaboration with L&T Technology Services, an engineering, digital and R&D services provider.
This partnership aims to drive innovation and technology integration in smart city development projects across the state of Colorado.
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TueNov262024
CN: Shanghai: Integrating commercial, office, and recreational spaces, Ennead Architects’ Taopu Smart City emphasizes sustainable and innovative urban design in a ambitious urban redevelopment initiative
Inspired by calligraphic lines and ribbons, Ennead Architects have designed a mixed-use development creating a cohesive and dynamic urban district creating strong visual, pedestrian, and infrastructure connections with the surrounding site, district, and the city.
Named Taopu Smart City, the project is part of a new district being planned around one of Shanghai’s largest future parks and has been awarded a 2024 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
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TueNov262024
IN: Dahod: Millennium-old city embraces modern development under Smart Cities Mission in Gujarat
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Dahod district of Gujarat has achieved remarkable progress as part of India's Smart Cities Mission, a press release said.
Launched in June 2015, the mission aims to transform urban areas by improving infrastructure, and quality of life, and promoting sustainable growth. Under the mission, a state-of-the-art Integrated command and control centre has been developed at Dahod for Rs 121 cr.
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TueNov262024
IN: Gujarat: LTTS wins project to build US state Colorado’s smart cities
Synopsis: Gujarat-headquartered LTTS has also built experience of smart government projects in the USA, India and the Middle East with its internet of things (IoT) offerings to enhance city operations, providing security solutions, citywide surveillance, and border security systems.
Mid-sized Indian IT services company L&T Technology Services (LTTS) on Monday announced a strategic partnership with the Colorado Smart Cities Alliance (CSCA) to build smart city development projects across the state of Colorado integrating innovation and technology.
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MonNov252024
Greece’s ‘smart city’ by the sea taking shape
High above the sparkling surface of the Athens coastline, the cranes for building the 50-floor luxury tower centerpiece of Greece’s future “smart city” look out over the Saronic Gulf.
At their feet, construction machinery stirs up dust.
Its backers say the 8 billion euro (US$8.43 billion) project financed by private funds is a symbol of Greece’s renaissance after the years of financial stagnation that saw investors flee the country.
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MonNov252024
Calling a city home
Debate around the social sustainability of urban communities is heating up. Cities are being challenged to guarantee inclusion and equitable access to essential resources and services and adjust urban design to improve safety and security.
During a panel discussion at the recent Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, the concept of making cities a home that people can appreciate was explored. According to Valentina Taddeo, marketing and communication leader at Paradox Engineering, a city becomes a home when it succeeds in making each resident feel a sense of familiarity, security and belonging.
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SunNov242024
US: California: San Diego adds ‘smart city’ interactive kiosks to downtown
The city of San Diego unveiled the first of more than 50 brand new kiosks scattered through downtown on Friday, aiming to help people better navigate the area and interact with local businesses.
Known as the Interactive Kiosk Experience, these wayfinding touchscreens have myriad features, encompassing transit, dining, entertainment, safety resources and city services.
The dual-sided kiosks, which are operated by IKE Smart City, can be found in 15 other cities across the country, including Houston, Miami, Atlanta and Baltimore.
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SunNov242024
Kazakhstan makes significant efforts to introduce sustainable dev't principles in public services - official
Kazakhstan is making significant efforts to implement the principles of sustainable development in the sphere of state and public services, Kazakhstan's First Vice Minister of Digital Development Kanysh Tuleushin said at a high-level roundtable on green digital actions, Trend reports.
“All countries are now making efforts to achieve certain goals related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and striving for carbon neutrality. And, of course, Kazakhstan is not an exception. We are making significant efforts to implement the principles of sustainable development in government and public services, develop GovTech solutions, and share these technologies with other countries.
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SunNov242024
IN: Uttar Pradesh: IIT-Kanpur’s AI-driven CoE for Sustainable Cities to address existing problems
Will take innovative ideas to scale and commercialise
Chosen to lead the Sustainable Cities Centre of Excellence (CoE) in AI on October 15, as part of the Ministry of Education’s initiative 'Make AI in India, Make AI Work for India’, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) prepares to start actual work in Phase II starting January 1, 2025.
Academic partners in the project also include IISc Bengaluru, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Gandhinagar, IIIT Delhi, NIT Calicut and Princeton University. Adani Total Gas Limited, Adani Electricity, Tata Consultancy Services and Multi Modal Transport Solutions Startups are also part of the coalition.
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SatNov232024
Public and private infrastructure investment boosting Indonesia’s digital transformation
Indonesia’s ongoing digital transformation got a significant boost with a major partnership.
The Indonesia Investment Authority (INA) and investment firm Granite Asia have announced a strategic partnership to make targeted investments worth up to $1.2 billion.
Such investments will have a strong focus on domestic businesses or companies with deep connections to Indonesia, either via established operations or by introducing technologies that are intended to benefit the local market in the long term.
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SatNov232024
QA: Lusail City is being transformed into a smart city: Municipality Minister
Qatar wrapped up yesterday its participation in the Cityscape Global 2024 exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Minister of Municipality H E Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah chaired the Qatari delegation to the four-day event.
Addressing the conference, Al Attiyah detailed the Qatar National Vision 2030, along with the key underway projects to create a sustainable society based on the knowledge economy. He highlighted the Ministry of Municipality’s commitment to ensure the alignment of the country’s urban planning with the economic and social development goals - which improves the quality of life and sustainability.
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FriNov222024
From the rise to the consolidation of smart cities
Smart cities are here to stay. What was considered a big trend a few years ago is now an established topic and a reality for many citizens.
Today we have world rankings, thematic indexes, certifying and specialised companies, cases and, above all, the interest of the public sector and society in advancing this agenda.
The aim of this article is to give a brief overview of the subject and to understand how far we have come and where we are going. A journey through the most impressive Smart Cities initiatives on the planet and their impact on society. The starting point is a simple question:
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FriNov222024
Here’s How ‘Smart Cities’ Focus On Resilience And Growth No Matter Who’s President In The U.S.
When we step back from high emotions—in either direction—after the U.S. election last week, we see millions of extraordinary people doing yeoman’s work to make our lives, cities, and communities better and more resilient. Hundreds of ways they are doing so were on vivid display at the Smart Cities Expo World Congress 2024 last week in Barcelona, Spain which I had the privilege of exploring. People from across the globe who share a fervent desire to make our cities run more efficiently, serve more residents more effectively and be more resilient – that is, to make them “smarter” — gathered and displayed their solutions.
It's a living reminder that clever, determined, creative people will always use their imagination, resources, networks and elbow grease to find a way to solve every day challenges both large and small. Most of the people I talked to at the Expo – from the Netherlands, to Cyprus and Singapore, from Europe to the Middle East, and fellow Americans – are quick to say their work continues no matter who sits in the White House.
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FriNov222024
IN: Jammu and Kashmir: Smart portal for Srinagar citizens
The Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) managed by the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) in Srinagar is developing a new online portal which will seek residents’ opinions related to spending of government funds.
The portal is related to municipal services and people can seek information on infrastructure development including new flyovers etc. The portal will be present in the mySrinagar app and Srinagar Smart City Limited website.
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ThuNov212024
IN: Urban sustainability: Green infrastructure and smart cities
As urban areas in India rapidly expand, the need for sustainable development becomes increasingly critical. By 2050, it is estimated that nearly 68% of the global population will reside in cities, putting immense pressure on infrastructure, resources, and the environment. In India, where cities are experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation, this urgency is amplified. Urbanization is not just changing the physical landscape; it is reshaping the social, economic, and environmental aspects of urban life.
India’s urban population is projected to reach nearly 600 million by 2030, putting immense pressure on key resources such as housing, transportation, water, and energy. To address this growing challenge, the country is prioritizing sustainable urban development to minimize environmental impact and improve the quality of life in cities. The integration of green infrastructure, advanced technologies, and efficient urban planning is seen as a critical solution for creating sustainable, resilient, and liveable urban environments. Initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission are core to this strategy, aiming to modernize urban infrastructure using sustainable practices.
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ThuNov212024
TH: Seminar boosts upgrading of urban areas as smart cities
Players in the development of smart cities talk about what has been done so far and how artificial intelligence will play an even greater role in the future
Smart city development should be eco-friendly, transparent and improve people’s quality of life, experts told the “Thailand Smart City Expo 2025” seminar organised on Tuesday by the Nation Group’s PostToday and Springnews.
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ThuNov212024
How connectivity is shaping smart cities: The Internet of Things and its real-world impact right now
In an increasingly digital world, the right connectivity is essential for meeting the complex needs of modern businesses.
But looking beyond its application in everyday business use, connectivity is also paramount for enabling the innovative technologies powering modern smart cities.
To provide context for those who haven't followed the meteoric rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), in 2023, there were 15.9 billion IoT devices connected globally. By 2030, that figure is forecast to more than double.
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WedNov202024
IN: Jammu and Kashmir: Srinagar and Jammu: Self-Sustaining Smart Cities
The developments discussed by the Chief Secretary at the meeting of the Housing & Urban Development Department are a promising step toward ensuring a sustainable and technologically advanced urban landscape for the cities of Srinagar and Jammu. The emphasis on self-sustainability for Srinagar Smart City Limited and Jammu Smart City Limited marks a forward-looking approach to urban governance that prioritises continuity and financial autonomy in public services, especially after significant investments have already been funnelled into various smart city projects. The Chief Secretary’s directive to create self-sustaining models for SSCL and JSCL highlights a broader strategy to secure long-term benefits for both cities. These Special Purpose Vehicles have made considerable progress, executing projects worth crores and generating revenue through various assets. However, the challenge remains to build a system where these SPVs are financially viable without continuous state support.
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WedNov202024
Sub-Saharan Africa: A conscious approach to urbanisation for smart, sustainable cities
In sub-Saharan Africa, where roughly 60% of people still live in rural areas urbanisation is occurring faster than anywhere else in the world. The temptation to build new cities on greenfield sites, away from existing city centres is enormous.
Alison Groves, director: discipline lead: built ecology and WSP in Africa and Hlologelo Manthose, built ecology: sustainability consultant at WSP in Africa, are advocates for retrofitting buildings to make them more sustainable – environmentally, socially and economically – across Africa’s cityscapes.
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WedNov202024
NL: The Hague reveals successes and lessons from five years of smart city innovations
For the past five years, The Hague has been testing smart technologies in an urban environment. Some applications proved successful, others less so.
The municipality of The Hague has published a white paper outlining lessons learned from the Scheveningen Living Lab. Over the past five years, the city has tested smart technologies in an urban setting.
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WedNov202024
US: Illinois: Chicago launches Smart Streets Pilot programme
The pilot aims to modernise the current system to protect vulnerable road users who are walking, biking and using transit while improving transit operations.
The City of Chicago Department of Transportation (CDoT) and the Department of (DoF) have announced the launch of the Smart Streets Pilot programme to enforce illegal parking.
The initiative using camera technology to enhance enforcement of parking and standing violations in bus and bike lanes downtown. It aims to modernise the current system to protect vulnerable road users who are walking, biking and using transit while improving transit operations.
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WedNov202024
Learn about the must haves for your smart city
Today’s smart metering solutions have evolved with a wide range of connectivity options and choosing the right solution can unlock new levels of performance, scalability and cost-efficiency.
Smart metering has been a driving force in the IoT revolution for over 25 years. Utilities have long faced the challenge of collecting data from connected meters in remote, often hard-to-reach locations – underground, in pits or even submerged in water.
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TueNov192024
NEOM The Line announces update as Saudi megaproject takes major step closer to Phase 1 completion
NEOM has announced architecture and engineering partners to help complete Phase 1 of The Line in Saudi Arabia
NEOM has announced the appointment of world-leading partners to deliver the core city planning, design and engineering for the first phase of THE LINE, the linear smart city under construction in NEOM.
NEOM said Delugan Meissl Associate Architects (DMAA), Gensler and Mott MacDonald are collaborating with THE LINE’s design, development and project delivery teams to provide urban design, planning consultancy and infrastructure design for the first phase of the city.
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TueNov192024
C40 guide to serve as implementation tool for urban planners
The guide will serve as a tool to accelerate sustainable, equitable and resilient urban planning policies and promote deliverable climate action around the globe.
C40 Cities and Community Jameel alongside UrbanShift have launched a climate action guide to help support cities in embedding climate action within their urban planning frameworks.
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TueNov192024
South Korean companies lead global smart city expansion
The strength of South Korean companies lies in offering comprehensive IT solutions
Tampere, Finland’s second-largest city and a former industrial center, is undergoing significant infrastructure revitalization. The “Nokia Arena,” inaugurated three years ago, has become a flagship of this renewal. With a capacity of 15,000, it stands as Finland’s largest ice hockey venue and integrates a hotel, an indoor performance space, and a variety of restaurants. The arena showcases cutting-edge visual technology, including large-scale LEDs, transparent OLEDs, video walls, and commercial displays, all supplied by LG Electronics. The company is also assessing the potential of installing electric vehicle charging (EVC) stations and implementing robotic solutions in the city.
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TueNov192024
PH: Iligan City partners with tech firm for 'smart city' innovation
The Iligan City government has partnered with Mata Technologies Inc. to develop innovative, technology-driven systems aimed at enhancing local governance and public services.
Iligan Mayor Frederick Siao signed a memorandum of agreement with the tech firm on Monday for collaboration on various technology-based projects designed to improve different sectors in the city.
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MonNov182024
IN: Meghalaya: Shillong: State govt’s high-tech project promises fail to materialise
Despite the state government frequently making ambitious announcements about high-tech projects, the execution of these promises often falls short.
From skywalks and electric buses to smart roads, projects are hyped with tech-savvy language, but when it comes to implementation of these projects, visible progress remains lacking.
Months after the skywalk from Barik to Police Bazaar was announced, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma revealed that the government could not go ahead with the project due to traffic being affected in the area.
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MonNov182024
IN: Jammu and Kashmir: Srinagar’s e-bus service struggles to meet demand of daily commuters
Srinagar’s e-bus service, launched as part of the Smart City initiative, has quickly become an essential mode of transport for many residents. While the launch of e-buses was seen as a progressive step for the city, the current fleet remains insufficient to cater to the growing commuters’ demand. With only 100 electric buses in operation, the shortage has led to overcrowding and longer waiting time for passengers, particularly during peak hours at various routes.
Although the surface transport ministry plans to add another 100 buses by January or February next year, the total fleet will still fall short of the city’s needs. To fully meet the demand, the service requires around 600 e-buses, SSCL official said.
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SunNov172024
IN: Smart cities and their role in the future of real estate
Real estate is like the foundation of a smart city. Technology would not be anywhere without well-planned buildings and spaces.
Smart cities are gradually shifting from dreams into reality, and real estate is a key enabler of this new phenomenon. However, what does a smart city mean? It is a city that applies everyday technology to aspects such as transport, power, and the general living standards of the city’s populace.
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SunNov172024
Why smart cities must get smarter – but not too smart
In early November at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona—the Smart Cities equivalent of The Oscars—Shenzhen picked up the prestigious Smart City of 2024 award for its ‘Smarter City, Better Life’ initiative.
The initiative focused on transforming the Chinese city through digitalisation, advanced urban management, and sustainable development to tackle challenges like dense population, resource limitations, and environmental concerns. Shenzhen is a technology hothouse and a showcase for China’s biggest technology players, including Huawei.
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SunNov172024
US: California: City launches community technology pilot projects in 4 Long Beach neighborhoods
Long Beach has continued its efforts to improve the lives of all Long Beach residents by making technology more accessible to address community needs.
The city has launched community technology pilot programs in four Long Beach neighborhoods as part of its Smart Cities Initiative – which advances solutions to civic challenges by engaging the community, staff and private sector to explore and implement emerging technology.
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SatNov162024
KR: Gyeonggi: Seongnam mayor introduces digital services for residents at smart city congress
Seongnam, located in Gyeonggi Province, is one of South Korea's leading cities in offering a range of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital services to its residents. According to Mayor Shin Sang-jin, this initiative is one of his key policies.
Shin introduced the city's digital features at this year's Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) in Barcelona, Spain.
He was one of the six panelists in one of the SCEWC's headline sessions, "Shaping the Digital Future Ethically," moderated by global urban development nonprofit organization Leading Cities' board member Jennifer James, on the event's first day, Tuesday (local time). Some 150 industry insiders, including Helpful Places founder Jacqueline Lu and Fiware Foundation chief operating officer Clara Pezuela, attended the session.
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SatNov162024
AE: Dubai’s Smart Kiosk Lets You Renew Your License in 3 Minutes
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has rolled out self-service kiosks across the city that allow residents to renew their driving licenses in just three minutes. A video recently showcased a Dubai resident using one of these kiosks, with the entire renewal process completed quickly and seamlessly. The initiative offers a modern solution to save time and cut down on queues at RTA centers.
Multiple Services, All in One Place
The RTA has installed 32 of these kiosks in 21 locations, including the main RTA headquarters, customer happiness centers, and high-traffic areas like Tasjeel in Al Barsha. The kiosks provide around-the-clock access to 28 different digital services beyond just license renewals, including vehicle licensing, driver services, parking, and even nol card management.
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SatNov162024
US: The Future of Smart City Technology in North Carolina
Around the world, cities are becoming “smarter” by using advanced technologies to create more efficient, sustainable, and enjoyable communities. North Carolina is also embracing this trend by bringing smart technology to its urban areas. But what does a “smart city” really mean, and how will these technologies shape North Carolina’s future? Let’s look at how smart city projects are transforming the state.
What is a Smart City?
A smart city uses technology and data to improve life for the people who live there. It’s like giving the city a “brain” that connects and monitors things like traffic, energy, and waste. For example, smart traffic lights can adjust based on real-time conditions to help reduce traffic jams. Buildings might save energy through sensors that turn off lights in empty rooms, and waste systems can even track trash levels to schedule pick-ups only when needed.
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SatNov162024
US: How ‘floating car data’ can help cities tackle traffic
Smart city technology can save transportation agencies money and inform conversations with the public, says a white paper by consulting firm Frost & Sullivan.
“Every city is struggling to manage traffic,” said Doug Gilmour, TomTom’s global business development manager for traffic and travel products.
Last year, traffic on U.S. roads exceeded pre-pandemic levels and was the highest on record dating back to 1998, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Mapmaking company TomTom named New York City; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco; Boston and Chicago as the top five most congested cities in 2023. Drivers in these large cities each lost anywhere from 72 hours to over 100 hours per year in rush-hour traffic.
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FriNov152024
Strategic partnership to accelerate smart city progress in UAE
Partnership with the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority will combine InfraX’s infrastructure expertise with Tuya’s smart home technologies.
Tuya Smart, a global cloud platform service provider, has announced a strategic partnership with InfraX, a subsidiary of Digital Dewa, to help accelerate smart city development in the UAE at Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) in Barcelona.
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FriNov152024
VN: Da Nang to expand QR code system to all streets
The central city plans to set up QR codes on signals of all streets, providing information and history, as well instructions for local residents and tourists, following a three-year pilot project in Sơn Trà district.
It’s part of the progress of the city’s digitalisation, outlined in the Master Plan in building Đà Nẵng into a ‘smart’ city in 2030-45 period.
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FriNov152024
GB: Buckinghamshire: Milton Keynes to lead driverless bus trial
StreetCav is a plug-and-play driverless shuttle that has been developed by a consortium of private and public sector organisations and will roll out in December.
Milton Keynes is set to lead a self-driving bus trial using Ohmio Lift vehicles to transport residents across the city next month.
StreetCav is a plug-and-play driverless shuttle that has been developed by a consortium of private and public sector organisations, supported by funding from Zenzic’s Cam Supply Chain UK programme. Zenzic was established by government and industry to champion the UK Connected and Automated Mobility (Cam) ecosystem.
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FriNov152024
ZA: MTN, ZTE, Weskus, and Aizatron sign MOU for 5G smart city initiative, unfolding intelligent potential
- MTN, ZTE, Weskus, and Aizatron showcase the transformative impact of 5G technology on smart cities and maritime communications
- An MOU was signed to advance 5G-enabled smart city development and AI-based solutions, marking a significant milestone for South Africa's urban innovation
ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, in collaboration with MTN, Weskus, and Aizatron, has hosted the 5G innovation event – "Unfolding the Intelligent Potential: Tech for a Better Tomorrow" in Langebaan, West Coast. This landmark gathering emphasized the transformative role of 5G technology in advancing smart cities and innovative applications, attracting key industry leaders from South Africa's technology sector.
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ThuNov142024
Malaysia's Smart City Framework yielding impactful results - Gobind
Malaysia's Smart City Framework, which aims to bring local cities up to global smart city standards, is generating impactful results, as evidenced by Kuala Lumpur's impressive leap of 16 spots in the latest Institute for Management Development (IMD) Smart City Index.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said Kuala Lumpur now ranks as the 73rd smartest city globally, a testament to Malaysia's growing urban innovation.
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ThuNov142024
US: North Carolina: Building tomorrow: Regional collaboration leads to smart city advancements
The Triangle Plus Connected Communities Conference was held again last week, thanks to the leadership of Raleigh Smart City manager, John Holden, and his team.
City and community leaders, business leaders, and techies all joined together to celebrate the “smart city” momentum.
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ThuNov142024
Malaysia strengthens partnership with EU on smart city development
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo engaged with representatives from the European Union (EU) to share initiatives concerning Malaysia’s journey to develop digital and smart cities that enhance people’s lives.
During the C-level Roundtable Breakfast at the Smart City World Expo Congress here today, the minister highlighted that the gathering strengthened the partnership between Malaysia and the EU on smart city development.
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WedNov132024
What makes a city future-ready?
ThoughtLab is launching its latest global study of 250 cities that shows how city leaders are advancing their social, sustainability and economic goals.
A select group of cities are jumping ahead when it comes to being “future ready,” according to a global study, conducted by thought leadership research company ThoughtLab.
From Future Vision to Urban Reality is being launched at Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, which runs from 5-7 November.
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WedNov132024
Smart Cities: The Role of Technology in Urban Development
As urban populations continue to grow, cities around the world face increasing challenges in managing resources, infrastructure, and services. Smart city initiatives leverage advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, and smart infrastructure to address these challenges and enhance urban living. In this article, we explore how these technologies are driving the development of smart cities, improving sustainability, efficiency, and quality of life for residents.
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TueNov122024
BH: New Digital City Set to Rise in Hamala Soon
Beyon Group’s cutting-edge “Digital City” will reshape Bahrain’s digital landscape by 2030
In a significant push towards digital transformation, Beyon Group has announced its ambitious plans to develop a “Digital City” in Hamala, Bahrain.
This expansive 380,000-square-meter project was unveiled at the Gateway Gulf Forum 2024, held at the Four Seasons Bahrain, signaling a major advancement in Bahrain’s journey toward Vision 2030.
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TueNov122024
GH: 5G network is here!
Ghana has officially entered the 5G era, with the government launching next-generation telecommunications infrastructure that promises to revolutionise digital connectivity across the nation, through Next Gen Infraco (NGIC), the 5G wholesale infrastructure provider.
The rollout by NGIC is expected to initially deploy 5G services in major urban centers including Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, with a plan for a nationwide expansion targeting complete coverage by 2026.
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TueNov122024
TW: Smart mobility raises parking infrastructure concerns
Countries are making significant investments in smart city applications. According to one survey, consumers spend 70% of their time on transportation, making smart traffic management a lucrative opportunity for a variety of firms. Smart parking management systems integrated with charging stations have gained popularity, with businesses such as Acer and Asustek Computer targeting this market through their respective affiliates.
Peter Wu, general manager of Asus Cloud and Taiwan Web Service (TWSC), sees significant potential in the use of smart parking poles. These not only provide roadside parking but can also collect data within smart cities via AIoT. TWSC, an Asustek subsidiary, seeks to deliver integrated one-stop system services, according to Wu.
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TueNov122024
VN: Int’l confab looks to develop skilled workforce for smart city development
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Information and Communications and the Francophone University Agency (AUF) organised an international conference on November 4 discussing ways to branch out high-quality labour force for the southern economic hub’s development of smart urban areas.
At the event, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Vo Van Hoan highlighted the socio-economic achievements that the city has carved out over the recent past as well as its goal to transform itself into a modern and smart metropolis by 2030, saying the city is envisaged to become a dynamic hub of finance, commerce, culture, education, and science-technology with deep international integration.
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MonNov112024
IN: Andhra Pradesh: Smart Kakinada project stagnates despite funding
The Kakinada Smart City Project launched in 2015 with a big bang has not yielded the desired results even after nearly a decade. One can see the promised “smartness” nowhere in the port city, even after crores of rupees have been spent on the project.
Government of India launched Smart Cities mission aimed at creating sustainable and inclusive cities, with core infrastructure that provides a decent quality of life to its citizens, apart from a clean and sustainable environment.
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MonNov112024
Taiwan-based diplomats shown Kaohsiung's smart city efforts
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung leads delegation to southern city
A group of Taiwan-based diplomats from 23 nations visited the Taiwan AI Labs in Kaohsiung’s Asia Bay 5G AIoT Innovation Park on Saturday (Nov. 2).
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) led the 38-member delegation to meet with Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) to understand the city’s efforts in smart city development, according to the Kaohsiung city government. Participating countries included several of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, Japan, Poland, and New Zealand.
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MonNov112024
Indonesia highlights three factors for ASEAN smart cities
Indonesia has presented three key elements in the development of smart cities in the country as well as ideas for the integration of ASEAN smart city development.
Indonesia has presented three key elements in the development of smart cities in the country as well as ideas for the integration of ASEAN smart city development.
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MonNov112024
VN: Hanoi has long road to travel in becoming a smart city
Over the past few years, Hanoi has actively implemented digital transformation solutions with the aim of becoming a smart city. This is an ambitious project with three key objectives.
The first objective is to improve the quality of life by developing a smart infrastructure system. This is a crucial step to alleviate traffic congestion, a persistent issue in Hanoi for many years. By applying technological solutions such as traffic sensors and intelligent traffic management systems, the city can more efficiently manage vehicle flow, thereby reducing travel times and minimising the negative environmental impacts.
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MonNov112024
PH: PPP Center champions Smart City development through PPPs in strategic workshop with Finland
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center Deputy Executive Director and Assistant Secretary Eleazar E. Ricote served as a resource speaker at the workshop on “Exploring Strategic Collaboration Between Finland and the Philippines Through Smart Technologies in Smart City & Infrastructure” on October 24, 2024, at the Fairmont Hotel, Makati City. This workshop brought together stakeholders from both countries to discuss collaborative opportunities in infrastructure development, focusing on transportation and mobility advancements in the Philippines.
In his opening remarks, Asec. Ricote highlighted the role of PPPs in attaining the country’s developmental goals. He stressed the enactment of Republic Act No. 11966, or the PPP Code of the Philippines, as one of the main drivers of the Philippine government to expedite infrastructure development and economic growth in the country.
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SunNov102024
A Vision for Smart Cities in the Global South: Indonesia’s Potential Path
Here's how Indonesia could build a smart city model that embodies this potential 'rags to riches' journey:
Indonesia is at a turning point—a story of struggle poised to become one of triumph. Developing an ideal smart city requires striking a balance between the rapid economic growth seen in China and the democratic, participatory values of Western countries. This vision aligns with President Prabowo’s goal for Indonesia to become a high-income country by 2045. According to Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, this ambitious target will require economic growth of 6-8% annually. To reach this goal, Indonesia’s smart cities must be technologically advanced, inclusive, and democratic to uplift all its citizens.
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SunNov102024
IN: Tamil Nadu: Madurai Corporation to install 138 cameras to check waste dumping along Vaigai
Madurai Corporation aims to reduce illegal waste dumping along the Vaigai River by installing 38 surveillance cameras on the riverbank and 100 more at high-waste sites in the city. Stricter regulations for meat shops and fines for violators will be enforced. Additional measures include a proposed sewage treatment plant and riverfront development.
The Madurai Corporation plans to install 38 surveillance cameras to curb illegal waste dumping on the banks of the river Vaigai . Another 100 cameras will be placed at other high-waste dumping sites across the city to monitor and reduce pollution.
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SatNov092024
IN: Kerala: Kochi: Smart City running headless; CEO post vacant for a year
The Smart City Kochi project, which was launched with the announcement of bringing global investments to Kerala, has been operating without a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a year now. The CEO resigned around six months ago.
The Smart City IT township is located adjacent to the Kakkanad Infopark. The project commenced with the promise of creating 90,000 job opportunities and constructing buildings over an area of 8.8 million square feet. The Kerala government holds a 16 percent stake, while Dubai Holding owns 84 percent. The Chief Minister serves as the chairman of the director board.
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SatNov092024
ID: OIKN partners with US companies to develop Command Center concept
The IKN Nusantara Authority (OIKN) and seven technology companies from the United States have collaborated to develop the Phase II Command Center concept in the Indonesian capital city of Nusantara (IKN), East Kalimantan.
Deputy for green and digital transformation of OIKN, Professor Mohammed Ali Berawi, expressed optimism over the support from the United States Government.
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FriNov082024
LoRaWAN: The Game-Changer for Smart Cities
The Beecham Research declared LoRaWAN the premier low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology for smart cities. Titled Leveraging LoRaWAN for Smart Cities: Cost-Effective, Scalable, Sustainable Connectivity, the report emphasises LoRaWAN’s vital role in modern urban environments, showcasing its ability to provide cost-effective and efficient connectivity for various smart applications.
The LoRa Alliance, a global consortium promoting the open LoRaWAN standard, will highlight these findings at the Smart Cities Expo World Congress(SCEWC). Member companies, including Browan Communications, iotech, Miromico, and Tata Communications, will demonstrate how LoRaWAN is revolutionising urban infrastructure. ZENNER will join Tata Communications and the Alliance on the panel titled “IoT Connectivity & Data Insights to Enhance Urban Life.”
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FriNov082024
IN: Karnataka: Hubballi’s public bicycle sharing system faces accessibility and demand challenges
The smart city project's public bicycle initiative in Hubballi remains inaccessible to numerous residents across various parts of the city. Despite multiple requests from individuals and organisations seeking the bicycle-sharing facility in their neighbourhoods, the authorities have not taken any concrete steps to address these demands.
Certain locations with existing bicycle stations show low utilisation rates, so officials have identified these underperforming spots but have not relocated them to areas with high demand. Residents from Old Hubballi, Siddaroodha Mutt, Old bus terminal and market areas have consistently requested bicycle stations, yet the administration has shown no interest in transferring the facilities to these locations where they are most needed.
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FriNov082024
US: California: Culver City: Council OK's Kiosks on City Property
Monday night October 28 the Culver City Council voted 3-to approve Advertising kiosks on city rights-of-way. Vice Mayor Dan O'Brien, Councilmen Albert Vera, Göran Eriksson on voted in favor of the plan. Councilman Freddy Puza vote against the proposal while Mayor Yasmine Imani McMorrin abstained.
IKE Smart City is the nationwide leader in smart city kiosks offering a wide variety of public benefits. Since launching in 2015, we have successfully deployed IKE networks in 20 cities, making IKE the most trusted partner for cities across the country when it comes to digital interactive kiosk technology. IKE, the "Interactive Kiosk Experience," is a seamless, best-in-class hardware and software communication system that connects cities with people through interactive, vivid touchscreens, an ever-expanding suite of applications, and a dynamically engaging interface.
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ThuNov072024
TH: Korat gears up for smart city status with new online services in 2025
The Muang Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality prepares a suite of online services for residents’ convenience as part of its smart city set-up
The Muang Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality will next year provide online services to residents as part of its smart city development, which kicked off in 2021, a deputy mayor said.
Chatree Wongwibulsin, deputy mayor of Korat municipality, said on Thursday that the Korat Smart City project has progressed a lot with several online services ready for use next year.
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ThuNov072024
Citizens also have a responsibility in making African cities liveable
Cities are complex social systems and, like magnets, they attract and repel. For some citizens the notion of a city conjures up images of bright lights, sophistication, excitement and opportunities. For others, a city is a dystopian, heartless and dangerous place where social ills prevail and threats to life and limb are pervasive. No matter the prevailing views towards cities, for millions of Africans, cities are what we call home. The challenge is, how to make cities more liveable; where they shelter us, nurture us, support us, and even become spaces where dreams are made.
African cities are expanding at a rapid rate. Cairo, Addis Ababa, Kigali and Cape Town are but a few of the cities on the continent that have shown exponential growth spatially, economically and demographically. These are primarily due to rural to urban population shifts, intercity-migration and high birth rates.
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ThuNov072024
IN: Assam: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal unveils plan to transform Dibrugarh city into smart urban hub
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced the approval of the master plan for "Dibrugarh Vision-2045," an initiative aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to transforming cities nationwide into smart urban centers. Sonowal emphasized that this visionary project is part of the Prime Minister’s broader ambition to foster advanced, sustainable urban development across India, with Dibrugarh positioned as a key focus in Assam.
“Dibrugarh Vision-2045” was unveiled today, showcasing an ambitious framework that has received approval following close coordination with the Assam government. The plan outlines a roadmap for enhancing urban infrastructure, smart technology integration, and sustainable development practices within the city. Sonowal underscored the government’s dedication to Dibrugarh’s progress, stating, “We are fully committed to the development of Dibrugarh, and we look forward to seeing it evolve into a model smart city that aligns with PM Modi's urban vision for India."
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ThuNov072024
US: Researcher finds AI could help improve city planning
Traditional city planning methods require significant technical expertise and manual work. A Virginia Tech researcher is working to change that.
New research shows the potential of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT and Google's Gemini, for assessing the human-made environment using street-view images.
By comparing LLM performance with traditional city planning deep learning methods, the study from the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech found that LLM-based performance is similar with established approaches. Unlike traditional methods that require technical expertise or manual work, the researchers found LLMs offer a more accessible tool for users, making it easier for policy and planning stakeholders to use these models in small to medium sized cities for managing smart urban infrastructure.
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WedNov062024
Wasl transforms rental process with UAE PASS digital signature integration
Wasl enables digitally signing lease contracts with UAE PASS
- UAE PASS digital signatures ensure secure and authenticated transactions, providing enhanced security and peace of mind.
- Reduce lease processing time by up to 80% with fast and efficient digital signatures.
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WedNov062024
IN: Lokesh seeks Microsoft’s help in Andhra’s digital governance
The minister extended an invitation to Nadella to visit Andhra Pradesh in the coming days and reminded that the Microsoft CEO’s father had served the state as an IAS officer in various positions
Andhra Pradesh minister for IT and electronics Nara Lokesh on Tuesday requested Microsoft chief executive officer Satya Nadella to extend the IT giant’s cooperation to the state government in digital governance and smart city programmes.
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WedNov062024
Indonesia unveils three key elements for ASEAN smart city development
Indonesia presented three key elements in the development of smart cities in the country as well as ideas for the integration of ASEAN smart city development.
Amran, Indonesia's National Representative of the ASEAN Smart City Network, outlined the three elements, namely inclusive and culturally-aware livable cities; resilient green cities with strong public order and community protection; as well as digital-based government services to spur community welfare.
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WedNov062024
Changqing Lin Transforms Urban Scapes with Advanced IoT Applications
“The true potential of smart cities lies in how seamlessly technology integrates into the urban fabric. It creates efficient and profoundly human environments,” shares Changqing Lin, a smart city developer and chairman of Fujian Evergreen Property Management.
Lin’s words encapsulate a vision that effectively redefines the word “city.” As a leading figure in the industry of smart city development, Lin has pioneered the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in ways that are upgrading urban environments.
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WedNov062024
IN: Uttar Pradesh govt launches toll-free helpline for devotees arriving in Prayagraj by train
Anticipating a massive influx of devotees for Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched a toll-free helpline for train passengers.
Anticipating a massive influx of devotees for Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched a toll-free helpline for train passengers.
The Prayagraj Railway Division has introduced this helpline to ensure smooth and hassle-free travel experiences for millions of pilgrims.
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TueNov052024
AE: Biometric authentication: The future of security
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.
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TueNov052024
Smart cities in South Africa – the role of technology in urban development
Urban areas in South Africa are rapidly evolving, necessitating modern solutions to tackle multiple challenges, from resource management to environmental sustainability. The concept of smart cities has gained significant traction globally, and South Africa is no exception, with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s ambitious Lanseria Smart City project paving the way.
If successful, this development can demonstrate the intersection of technology and urban planning, and it reflects how tech giants like Asus Business, with its suite of business technology solutions, are crucial in realising such visions.
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TueNov052024
EE: Tallinn maps accessibility of public transport stops
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.
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MonNov042024
US: Texas: Brownsville: Nokia, NTT DATA taking private 5G-enabled smart city approach global
In the city of Brownsville, Texas, Nokia and NTT DATA have delivered private 5G for a range of smart city applications
From a technological perspective, the variety of cellular-enabled solutions that could be present in a city is effectively open-ended; given this complex and vast addressable market, the digital transformation from city to smart city has been slower than in other areas. However, as business models, ecosystems, strategies and tech stacks have evolved, smart cities could be poised for a break out—in fact, Nokia and NTT DATA recently announced a global, joint go-to-market partnership focused on bringing private 5G connectivity to bear on a wide range of smart city use cases across airports and cities.
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MonNov042024
US: How AI Handles Traffic with Smart City Infrastructure
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.
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MonNov042024
Why AI is powering a revolution in public sector services
Microsoft’s Didier Ongena explains how generative AI, digital twins and the cloud are helping governments and city leaders to optimise operations and deliver better services to citizens
Every public sector employee in the UK spends more than eight hours per week managing data and performing routine administrative tasks, according to Microsoft’s 2024 Harnessing the Power of AI for the Public Sector report. The research shows that 45 per cent of respondents are “drowning in unnecessary administrative tasks”, with 55 per cent saying this workload negatively impacts their ability to get on with the day job, and nearly half indicating it compromises the quality of service they provide and limits how long they can spend directly interacting with the public.
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SunNov032024
IN: Uttar Pradesh: IIT-Kanpur to lead Centre of Excellence on ‘sustainable cities’
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.
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SunNov032024
VN: Da Nang promotes digital government, turns into smart city
At the Viet Nam Digital Government Summit 2024 recently organised by the International Data Group (IDG) Viet Nam, in collaboration with the Viet Nam Digital Communications Association (VDCA) and related units in Da Nang management agencies and experts exchanged ideas and solutions for comprehensive information technology (IT) development, promoting the construction of an e-Government system, and implementing digital government, building a smart city in Da Nang in particular.
Promoting digital pillars
Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Administrative Procedure Control (Government Office) Nguyen Duy Hoang said that administrative procedure reform aims to facilitate people and businesses, cut costs related to unnecessary procedures and focus on people and businesses.
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SunNov032024
FI: Espoo becomes only Nordic city to reach World Smart City Awards final
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.
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SatNov022024
StarAgile's Agile approach for smart city success in UAE with CSM certification training
StarAgile, a renowned institute in the UAE believes in learning and is at the forefront of integrating Agile methodology into smart city development highlighting its dedication to sustainable urban infrastructure. With the fading away of command and control-based traditional management, Agile through frameworks like scrum is being adopted as a preferred choice for complex projects. The Certified Scrum Master or CSM Certification offered by StarAgile is instrumental for professionals looking to excel in this transformative environment.
The CSM certification is for those who wish to construct their career within the scrum framework. It gives them the wherewithal to handle the project management in an efficient manner. "Becoming a Certified Scrum Master equips the individual to lead teams in the effective adoption of collaboration and continuous development toward product goals. This hands-on training enhances management skills and prepares professionals for the unique challenges of smart city projects," said an official from StarAgile.
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SatNov022024
TW: Aetina introduces edge AI for urban surveillance and transport at smart city event
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.
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SatNov022024
GB: Edinburgh launches new smart city strategy
Edinburgh City Council has approved its latest smart city strategy which incorporates plans to boost digital inclusion and sustainability.
The Digital and Smart City strategy 2024 – 2027 is aimed at accelerating the city’s technological transformation, and follows a previous strategy launched in 2020 which the council says has made “significant progress in using digital tools to improve the city’s infrastructure and services”.
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FriNov012024
RO: Digitalization of public administration debated at the Summit of Mayors
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".
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FriNov012024
ET: Amhara: Ethio Telecom pursues smart city strategy in Bahir Dar
Ethio Telecom is back in the news – this time via plans to launch a smart city project in Bahir Dar, capital city of the Amhara region in northern Ethiopia, following the deployment of commercial 5G services.
This week the state-owned company announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the city's mayor to move forward with this initiative.
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FriNov012024
NG: Wisdom Kwati Smart City leads urban development, massive job growth in Abuja
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.
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FriNov012024
WM: President Bushiri honored with Global Visionary Award for Goshen Smart City transformation in Instabul, Turkey
In a dazzling ceremony that celebrated innovation and leadership in urban development, Dr. Shepherd Bushiri, President of Goshen City, Malawi, received the prestigious Global Visionary and Pioneer in Smart City Transformation Award.
The event held on Wednesday night in Instabul, Turkey, and attended by industry leaders, dignitaries, and visionaries from around the world, highlighted the significant strides being made in creating sustainable urban environments.
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FriNov012024
Intelligent Urbanization: How AI is Shaping Smart Cities
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.
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ThuOct312024
AE: Moro Hub and Urbi to drive smart city initiatives
The collaboration will enable real-time data collection and analysis, providing actionable insights to enhance the operations for businesses and optimize city operations
Moro Hub has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Urbi, a regional geospatial solutions provider. The MoU was signed by Mohammad Bin Sulaiman, CEO of Moro Hub, and Pavel Mochalkin, CEO of Urbi and aims to boost the development and implementation of smart city initiatives by offering advanced IoT (Internet of Things) solutions to enhance operational efficiency for businesses across the UAE.
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ThuOct312024
AE: Huawei launches Global City Intelligent Twins Architecture to accelerate city digital transformation
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.
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ThuOct312024
Urban Mobility and Smart Cities: Reimagining Public Spaces
Urban mobility and smart city initiatives have become fundamental to modern design and urban planning due to the digital age.
Urban mobility and smart city initiatives have become fundamental to modern design and urban planning due to the digital age. Societies are changing spatially, practically, and socially as city spaces become increasingly smart. From self-driving cars and green transportation to pedestrian-centric spaces, architects and urban designers are transforming the concepts of public spaces in a way that fosters the habitability of such places. This article explores architecture and smart technologies, considering such interesting topics as green transportation, autonomous systems, and urbanism. We will also address the challenges encountered and present real-world examples to improve the efficiency of public spaces.
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ThuOct312024
Smart city sound detection solutions expand to UK
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.
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WedOct302024
Powering The Smart Cities of Tomorrow: Citywide Compact Power Boxes
In the grand sweep of human civilization, the march toward urbanization is relentless. By mid-century, more than two-thirds of humanity will live in cities, according to United Nations forecasts. These burgeoning urban centers are not just hubs of economic activity and innovation; they are also, increasingly, the laboratories where the future of energy will be forged. Among the most exciting developments in this quest for clean, reliable power are the twin advances of nuclear fission—particularly in the form of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Generation IV reactors—and the long-sought promise of fusion energy. Each of these technologies holds the potential to not only reshape our cities but to revolutionize the very concept of what a smart city can be. But one has the edge over the other. Read on.
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TueOct292024
AE: Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority and Core42 introduce advanced smart fire and life safety solution
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.
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TueOct292024
IN: Dwindling interest in 'smart cities'
‘Smart cities’ concept has been close to heart to both the UPA as well as the NDA. Unfortunately, the enthusiasm seems to be tapering
There is a talk about ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. Rapid urbanisation is being witnessed and it will only increase as we move towards ‘viksit’ status. The developed world created its infrastructure when there were little constraints on sustainability. But, today’s world has severe constraints in terms of sustainability. Developing India has to rely a lot on ‘smart cities’.
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MonOct282024
AE: Dubai 2040: A Vision of Flying Taxis and Gigantic Metros
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.
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MonOct282024
How data centres are rewiring Africa’s future
Africa’s digital transformation is no longer a distant vision – it’s happening now, with data centres at the heart of this evolution.
As these centres drive innovation and economic growth across the continent, they are positioning Africa as a formidable force in the global digital landscape, writes Ilana van Schalkwyk, Sector Lead for Information and Communications Technology at Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking.
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MonOct282024
IN: How radio waves can power smart cities
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.
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SunOct272024
AU: Victoria: Springvale: Smart thinking for the future
Athol Road Primary School had a blast at its school expo celebrating its students’ part in a Smart City project.
Grade 3 to 6 students were both nervous and excited to introduce their creation to others during the expo after learning how to use micro:bits to explore electronics, automation and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Using their experience in the previous terms, students created smart homes, urban farms, restaurants, zoos, aquariums and much more using recycled items such as egg cartons.
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SunOct272024
GB: The Role of Digital Signage in Shaping London’s Smart City Vision
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.
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SatOct262024
KE: The brand-new £11bn 'tech city' being built in one of Africa's most prosperous countries
The city's architectural design integrates solar power, rainwater collection and utilisation into its infrastructure.
Africa is increasingly positioning itself as an attractive investment destination in the global tech landscape.
With a population of over one billion and a substantial talent pool, the continent represents a significant financial opportunity for investors.
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SatOct262024
IN: Kerala: Kochi: Smart City: Minister launches projects worth Rs 130 crore
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.
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SatOct262024
IN: Punjab: Big Push for Smart City Development as STP inaugurated in Sultanpur Lodhi
In a significant stride towards transforming Sultanpur Lodhi into a smart city, Punjab's Local Bodies Minister Dr Ravjot Singh on Friday inaugurated a four MLD (million liters per day) capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), costing Rs 8.5 crore. This marks Dr Ravjot’s first development project inauguration since taking office, which he hailed as a momentous occasion dedicated to the residents of this holy city.
The newly-inaugurated STP is set to serve the water treatment needs of nearly 25,000 residents and will also provide treated water for irrigation purposes across 55 acres. During the inauguration, Dr Ravjot emphasized the Punjab Government's commitment to the holistic development of Sultanpur Lodhi, envisioning its potential as a key destination on the international religious tourism circuit under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
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FriOct252024
22 Smart Cities In India That Will Blow Your Mind!
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.
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FriOct252024
VN: Pay services can be smart city backbone
Hanoi’s smart city progress, led by advanced payment integration, shows promise but still faces key regulatory and security challenges that need resolution for full success.
Ha Minh Hai, Vice Chairman of Hanoi People’s Committee, last week underscored the critical role of smart payment systems in Hanoi’s strategy for smart urban development at a conference last week on the issue.
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FriOct252024
20 Super Cool Cities In China
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.
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ThuOct242024
Vietnam, RoK expand cooperation on smart city building
A business connection programme to foster cooperation between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) in smart city development is underway in Ho Chi Minh City.
Held from October 15 to 17 by the HCM City Computer Association (HCA) and Meta Square, the initiative, Vietnam & Korea on IT Sector, aims to help with the city’s goal of becoming an economic hub in Asia and a global city.
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ThuOct242024
ST Engineering drives AI smart city transformation in Qatar
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.
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ThuOct242024
AE: Moro Hub, Urbi collaborate to drive smart city initiatives
Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital Dewa, the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (PJSC), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Urbi, a regional comprehensive geospatial solutions.
The MoU was signed by Mohammad Bin Sulaiman, CEO of Moro Hub, and Pavel Mochalkin, CEO of Urbi at Gitex Global 2024, which runs from October 14 to 18 at Dubai World Trade Centre. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate the development and implementation of smart city initiatives by offering advanced IoT (Internet of Things) solutions to enhance operational efficiency for businesses across the UAE.
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WedOct232024
Smart Cities On The Horizon: What Next For Real Estate And Construction?
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.
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WedOct232024
Cities preparing for climate shocks becoming increasingly attractive to investors, new competitive cities study reveals
Traditional indicators alone are no longer sufficient to gauge a city's long-term competitiveness, analysis of more than 60 major urban centres shows. New global tracker reveals which cities are best placed for long-term success by analysing future competitive indicators.
Cities must think beyond traditional indicators like economic performance and transport infrastructure to continue to attract investment, a new competitive cities tracker has shown.
Lynbrook, N.Y.'s Internet Outage Continuity Plan takes an in-depth look at how the local government can maintain critical services — even in the face of a six-month-long Internet outage.
A New York village is planning for the possibility of a major Internet outage — the kind that could last six months.
“There will be a time when an outage occurs due to a major solar flare, terrorism or human error, lasting weeks or months on a regional or national level,” Lynbrook Village Administrator John Giordano told Government Technology.
The village officially adopted its Internet Outage Continuity Plan on Sept. 12, 2022 and has distributed copies to all departments. The document is intended to supplement other disaster recovery and business continuity plans. It maps out every function conducted by local government, identifies those involving Internet and lists alternative, offline methods of getting the job done.
To Giordano’s knowledge, theirs is the first municipal Internet outage plan in the state.
He said that while prolonged Internet loss sounds unlikely, so did the pandemic.
“COVID – that was a big inspiration for this,” Giordano said. “… Nobody thought COVID would happen and this [long-term Internet loss] seems to be more realistic than what anybody would’ve thought COVID would be a year before.”
Lynbrook spent about four months convening department heads to discuss ideas and develop its plan. It gave a copy to the New York Conference of Mayors, for sharing with other interested local governments.
Should an outage occur, the village aims to be ready.
“When it does happen, there is a need to act right away, instead of trying to reinvent the wheel,” Giordano said.
WHEN THE INTERNET GOES OUT
Recent years have given communities a taste of Internet loss. For example, a July 2022 outage at major Canadian Internet and mobile provider Rogers Communications caused card payments to fail, saw a trial hearing delayed over video-conferencing issues and impeded residents’ abilities to call for emergency services. Rogers attributed that incident to a maintenance upgrade. In 2021, human error also prevented U.K. residents from accessing many websites.
And — as Mississippi State University Assistant Clinical Professor of Electrical Engineering David Wallace writes — a significant solar flare could disrupt Internet and electricity.
Lynbrook isn’t the only government concerned, and many counties include Internet loss in their own continuity of operations plans, said Rita Reynolds, CIO of the National Association of Counties (NACo). In her experience, these plans tend to look at a shorter time frame, envisioning outages that last weeks or months, but not half a year. Discussions over how to handle such an outage have become more frequent, too, as government cloud adoptions rise.
“This definitely has been on the mind of counties, and they recognize that there needs to be backup solutions, but beyond that, even some other approaches,” Reynolds said.
RETAINING, RESTORING INTERNET
Alongside planning for a loss of Internet service, governments are also aiming to stave off such events in the first place.
Reynolds said some counties’ contingency plans include backup methods of Internet access, should connectivity only be downed for government buildings, while remaining available in the surrounding area. That could happen if an animal chewed through Internet cables, for example.
In response, counties might switch to a second provider or other type of connection.
“Some counties have backup Internet connectivity, through maybe a Metro-E [Ethernet] circuit or an alternate … you could have a Verizon connection, but your alternate is a Comcast cable connection. While the speed might not be as fast, you still have an alternative for those types of outages,” Reynolds said.
The Lynbrook plan anticipates many months of offline services, but Reynolds said county governments facing such extensive outages may be able to relocate to regain connectivity. Should natural disasters destroy entire government buildings, officials may be able to move to backup facilities that have retained online access.
Cyber best practices also call for maintaining offline data backups in physically separate locations, which governments could turn to when key records become no longer available to them online. Governments transitioning to cloud should still maintain such backup practices, Reynolds advised, though they may be able to manage with only doing so for essential assets, like financial databases.
OFFLINE CONTINUITY
Still, governments’ best efforts may not always be enough, and keeping operations running could mean ensuring older technologies like landline telephones and faxes remain an option, even as governments acquire modern tech.
“The reality is that counties know they have to be prepared to go, as we call it, ‘old school’: paper documents, manual forms that they used years ago — you still have to keep some,” Reynold said. “…While we are eliminating [paper] to a great extent in our society and in the workplace, for continuity purposes, if you lose access to the Internet, you've got to have a way to conduct transactions and keep citizen services moving — and so paper becomes the backup.”
Lynbrook’s plan, which was shared with GovTech, anticipates the loss of everything from credit card processing (answered by a reversion to checks and cash) and email (replaced by fax, phone calls and, in some cases, postal mail) to the downing of the key fob system at village headquarters (the alternative: reinstall manual locks).
Police would go back to handwriting parking tickets, while government procurements would need to take place via phone or in-person vendor meetings, Giordano said.
While a solar flare might knock out power in addition to Internet, the village expects its existing plans for restoring electricity — via generator — would go into effect, and so counts on having power available during a hypothetical Internet blackout.
BALANCING RESILIENCE AND PROTECTION
When considering how to ensure data remains accessible without Internet, assessments of the criticality, urgency and sensitivity of the data should guide agencies’ choices around what to print out, what to store as an offline copy on a computer and what kinds of password protections and access controls are needed, Reynolds said. Critical, urgent data needs to be handled in a way that allows for rapid restoration, while sensitive data needs privacy and security protections.
In her experience, county CFOs often print out backup copies of weeks' transactions, while other types of data might be stored on-premise by IT, such as in Excel databases. For the sake of privacy and security, it’s best practice for IT to save such on-site digital backups in one central location, rather than for employees to save copies on their desktops or email files to themselves.
To stay on top of this, counties should make sure to review their data retention policies and data asset inventories at least once a year, Reynolds said.
Reynolds urged agencies to test their plans, which can help them identify any gaps or needed adjustments. One opportunity is through her organization’s Cyber Simulation exercises, some of which include loss of Internet connectivity in the mock scenarios.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Jule Pattison-Gordon
Quelle/Source: Government Technology, 18.10.2022