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FriApr262024
IN: 'Smart Cities' to 'Livable Urban Spaces', Modi govt pivots as original mission stumbles
A significant shortcoming of the Smart City Mission is its lack of engagement with the community, the key beneficiaries of any urban development initiative
A decade after its inception under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) has been overshadowed by a new and more expansive initiative, 'The Ease of Living in Cities.'
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FriApr262024
US: Trust vs trustworthiness: smart cities in the age of AI
Cristian Capotescu and Gil Eyal, associate director and director of The Trust Collaboratory at Columbia University, explore the social dynamics of trust as it relates to the rollout of AI in cities.
Cities today are at a technological crossroads. The rise of generative AI promises to reshape how urban residents inhabit, study, work, and conduct their daily lives in the city of the future. Municipal governments across the world recognise the enormous potential of AI. From Sao Paulo, Barcelona, and Paris to New York, cities are racing toward piloting AI-based technology based on large language models (LLMs) to guide residents through complex applications and city ordinances.
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ThuApr252024
IN: Gujarat: Ahmedabad: City’s e-challan system being reviewed
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is taking a closer look at its e-challan system and a meeting was conducted to study the system by the Smart City Ahmedabad Development Limited (SCADL).
A new process is being implemented to analyze traffic flow and issue e-challan. According to a senior AMC official, the new AI-powered analysis will include the number of vehicles passing through individual junctions.
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ThuApr252024
US: Washington, D.C. Is Officially One Of The Smartest Cities In America
Well, maybe not in the way you think, but Washington, D.C. has been ranked the #2 smartest city in America in terms of 'smart' technology being used to improve the quality of life of its residents. Well, according to top10.com, which ranked the top 10 cities in America that use ‘smart technology’ like artificial intelligence or the Internet of Things (IoT) to modernize and improve their existing infrastructure and public services as well as maximize potential for economic and social mobility.
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ThuApr252024
US: Florida: Longboat Key will implement smart city technology as part of pilot study
Cameras around the island will give the town info on traffic counts and pedestrian safety while also showing public beach conditions.
Can a city get smarter?
With software available in today’s day and age, yes. The town of Longboat Key will soon finalize both internal and public-facing software to implement smart city technologies.
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WedApr242024
AE: Dubai: Are city governments ready to embrace the AI revolution?
Over the last decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has been a matter of strategic importance for many governments and businesses around the world. From guidelines for ethical AI adoptions, the growing adoption of generative AI and chat-bots and autonomous vehicles and flying taxis, the influence of this transformational technology continues to expand to various aspects of daily life.
We however know this is just the beginning of AI. The full potential of AI for reshaping urban landscapes cannot be harnessed without a supportive government providing the right infrastructure and regulations, a co-operative and symbiotic relationship between public and private entities and a conducive AI start-up and scale-up ecosystem. The UAE, and particularly Dubai, stand out as a great textbook examples to draw inspiration from.
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WedApr242024
SA: Madinah advances 11 ranks in the IMD Smart City Index 2024
The index aims to balance economic and technical aspects, enhance human dimensions, and meet the population's needs
Madinah: Madinah recorded an advancement of 11 ranks in the IMD Smart City Index issued by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in 2024, ranking 74th globally after ranking 85th in 2023.
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WedApr242024
IN: Sustainable Practices And Smart Cities: IT's Path To A Cleaner Planet
Flexible and adaptable IT infrastructures are becoming more and more necessary as cloud computing, big data, and the Internet of Things, amongst other technological advances, are growing in popularity
The IT sector has grown to become a significant driver of global economic expansion, but it is not without its share of environmental issues, including carbon emissions, excessive energy consumption, and electronic waste. With the unprecedented rise in sales of smart devices, there has been a notable increase in e-waste in particular.
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WedApr242024
SA: Smart City Initiatives: Leveraging AI to Transform Urban Life in Riyadh
AI Elevates Urban Efficiency and Quality of Life
In recent years, the transformative influence of generative artificial intelligence significantly impacted various sectors globally and dominated the tech scene. However, it’s underutilization is noticeable considering the abundant opportunities in Internet of Things (IoT) applications and smart city initiatives. Various entities have initiated efforts to harness this potential. Such endeavors are commendable, and it is hoped that with leadership from the National Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), in collaboration with related entities, quality initiatives will emerge in this field. The Generative AI Academy can play a substantial role, and SDAIA is expected to excel as usual.
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WedApr242024
ID: Minister Of Communication And Information Says Apple Is Enthusiastic About Developing Smart City At IKN
Minister of Communication and Information (Menkominfo) Budi Arie Setiadi said Apple Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tim Cook enthusiastically welcomed President Joko Widodo's request for his company to be involved in smart city development in the capital city of Nusantara (IKN).
"Mister Tim Cook is very enthusiastic about welcoming the request, because it is also suitable for his company regarding smart cities," Budi said, quoting Antara.
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WedApr242024
NA: Windhoek embarks on smart city transformation
Windhoek is setting its sights on becoming a smart city by 2027, leveraging technology to improve efficiency, sustainability and the overall quality of life for residents.
This ambitious goal aligns with the city’s five-year strategic plan, Namibia’s Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Initially, the target for achieving smart city status was 2022.
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TueApr232024
How to empower smart cities with 5G streetworks
As 5G adoption continues to escalate, more municipalities worldwide are looking to harness the latest mobile technologies to power a range of smart city use cases. With possible benefits ranging from reduced energy usage and increased public safety, to more efficient city services and improved traffic flow, the prospects are tempting.
Realising a true smart city vision, however, requires greater access to 5G service, increased bandwidth for data-hungry devices and always-on connectivity for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. In order for mobile network operators (MNOs) to enable all of these capabilities, they need to densify their 5G networks, moving infrastructure closer to subscribers and IoT devices by installing smart small cell configurations at street level.
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TueApr232024
CN: Digital Policy Office set to be up by mid-year to drive Hong Kong’s digital economy and smart city progress
On the cards is a plan to cultivate and retain digital talent through enhanced training, while attracting talents from outside Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan mentioned plans to promote the city's digital economy, including the establishment of the ‘Digital Policy Office’ by the middle of this year, on his blog on 14 April 2024.
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TueApr232024
VN: Hanoi gains, while HCM City loses ground in global smart city ranking
Both Hanoi and HCM City received a rather poor scores of CCC in the Technology aspect, while in terms of Structures, the capital city Hanoi fared a little better than the southern economic center (CC compared to CCC).
Hanoi earned the 97th position in a global smart city ranking, up three places compared to last year, while HCM City slid down two places to 105th.
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TueApr232024
US: Florida: Miami: AI And City Of Future
Technology experts, government leaders, planners, industry visionaries, and the public came together last week during the 8th Annual Smart Cities Miami Conference, hosted by the University of Miami School of Architecture and Frost Institute for Data Science and Computing, and presenting sponsors Double C by Conconcreto and Broadway Malyan, to explore the impact of AI in smart city practices and how individuals, societies, and cultures adopt and adapt to emerging AI-driven technology in smart cities.
The Lakeside Village Expo Center was filled with a buzzing energy, the glass walls lined with exhibitors including the School of Architecture's RAD LAB, showcasing the latest technology demos and startup innovations.
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MonApr222024
Integrating circular economy principles into the smart city landscape
How innovative resource management can promote sustainable urban development
A smart city has several dimensions: Environment, Mobility, Governance, Economy, People, and Living. Excelling across all of these dimensions leads to a successful, sustainable smart city. The conventional definition of smart cities limits it to a techno-centric model, where the primary means to manage the city’s resources better is by integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
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MonApr222024
Revolutionizing City Streets with Autonomous Robotic Maintenance
Urban landscapes are witnessing an extraordinary shift as they embrace the future with autonomous robots that are redefining street maintenance. Imaginations are turning into reality on city roads where these self-driving machines patch up potholes and expertly lay asphalt, setting a new standard for precision and efficiency in the process.
Innovators such as Doosan Robotics and Hyundai are on the front lines of this movement, deploying autonomous robots that once required the toil of crews. Hyundai shone a spotlight on their Construction Xite tractor at CES 2024, a beacon of progress for driverless excavation and paving. Meanwhile, Doosan’s cobots demonstrate astonishing material-sorting abilities, a testament to the advanced problem-solving skills imbued by AI.
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MonApr222024
Which are the smartest cities in the world?
The latest edition of the Institute of Management Development’s Smart City Index combines hard data and survey responses from citizens in 142 cities worldwide.
The Swiss city of Zurich has retained the top spot for the fifth consecutive edition of the Institute of Management Development’s (IMD) Smart City Index, with Norwegian and Australian capitals, Oslo and Canberra, in second and third places, respectively.
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SunApr212024
PH: Senator Gatchalian eyes digital transformation in schools to strengthen distance learning
Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian is pushing for the digital transformation of the basic education sector to provide for the proper implementation of remote learning amid the extreme summer heat.
“Kailangang paghandaan natin ang posibleng mas mainit pang panahon sa mga susunod na taon lalo na’t patuloy ang climate change at global warming,” Gatchalian said in a statement on Sunday, April 14.
(We need to prepare for possibly even hotter weather in the coming years, especially as climate change and global warming continue.)
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SunApr212024
VN: Training human resources crucial for digital transformation
Vietnam is facing a significant shortage of human resources, both in quantity and quality, for occupations related to the information and communication technology sector. As the nation is promoting the National Digital Transformation Programme to 2025, Vietnam aims to develop digital government, economy and society, the need to fill this gap has become more urgent than ever.
Vietnam has about 1.5 million workers in the information and communication technology field. The country currently has 168 universities and 520 vocational schools providing ICT training, with over 84,000 graduates annually.
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SunApr212024
Navigating the future: Ethiopian digital economy foresight
In the ever-evolving realm of global economics, Ethiopia stands at the precipice of a digital revolution that holds the power to reshape its economy. With a rapidly expanding population and an increasingly interconnected world, Ethiopia’s digital economy carries tremendous promise in unlocking unprecedented growth and addressing urgent challenges, such as unemployment. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reported that in 2023, Ethiopia’s population reached 126.5 million, with 58 percent falling within the 15-64 age group, which constitutes an active demographic for digital usage. Drawing inspiration from the remarkable transformations witnessed in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, Ethiopia’s trajectory towards digital advancement appears poised to steer it towards prosperity and innovation.
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SatApr202024
ES: Alicante: Dénia getting closer to becoming a smart city
The Councilor for Territory, Maria Josep Ripoll, gave a press conference this Friday to talk about the actions of the Dénia City Council in terms of lighting. The objective of these is to ensure that the town becomes a "smart city", or intelligent city, based on the investment in more ecological lighting that can be controlled in real time, adjusting it to the needs of each moment.
To this end, a new 15-year contract has been established with the energy services company, SITELEC, which had already started working with the city council in March 2023. "It represents a saving on the energy bill for the municipal coffers of 558.599 euros ( in the previous year) and the modernization of public lighting," explained Ripoll, who highlighted that in this way the Sustainable Development Goals regarding CO2 emissions and light pollution of the 2030 urban agenda are also met.
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SatApr202024
NG: 20,065 hectares smart city project: AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq walking the talk
During the 2024 budget presentation to the Kwara State House of Assembly, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced the SmartCity project, an offshoot of the Ilorin City Master Plan modelled after Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Building such cities requires foresight and long-term planning. Developing a master plan is crucial to sustainable development as it dictates the pattern of infrastructural development, policymaking, and resource distribution.
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SatApr202024
OM: Muscat improves position in Smart City rankings
The capital, Muscat, has improved its performance in the world's Smart City Index by moving up eight points to 88 from 96 in the previous year, which was prepared by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD).
The Index takes into account the economic and technological aspects of smart cities on the one hand and the “humane dimensions” of smart cities (quality of life, environment, and inclusiveness) on the other. The other GCC cities also improved rankings with Riyadh moving up to 25 from 31, Doha to 48 from 54, Dubai to 12 from 14, and Abu Dhabi to 10 from 13. The top ten smart cities are Zurich, Oslo, Canberra, Geneva, Singapore, Copenhagen, Lausanne, London, and Helsinki, apart from Abu Dhabi. A Smart City system is about the integration of all the utilities, infrastructure, and citizen services on a single platform and a unified dashboard for the efficient, reliable, and resilient operation of the city.
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SatApr202024
VN: Hanoi moves three notches up smart city rankings
Hanoi has moved up three places from last year to reach 97th in the 2024 Smart City Index, as compiled by the International Institute for Management Development of Switzerland.
In Asia alone, Hanoi ranks 20th out of 28 cities, behind several cities such as Bangkok (Thailand), Osaka (Japan), and above some cities such as Jakarta (Indonesia), and Mumbai (India).
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FriApr192024
SA: Riyadh now 25th on smart city index, climbs 5 spots
Index assesses health, mobility, governance, among others
Riyadh climbed five spots in the International Institute for Management Development Smart City Index this year, now ranking 25th overall.
The index assesses various structures such as health, mobility, and governance, according to the published report.
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FriApr192024
Smart City Index 2024: Singapore Ranked 1st In Asia, 5th In The World
Singapore has gained two places to become the only Asian city among the top five smartest cities in the world in 2024.
The index, produced by the Swiss business school Institute for Management Development (IMD), lists 142 cities in all, ranking them on the basis of how they use advanced technology for improvement in the lives of the citizens.
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ThuApr182024
NG: Kwara acquires 20,065 hectares for Ilorin SmartCity project
The Kwara State Government has acquired land in both the Ilorin East and Ilorin South Local Government Areas of the state to site the New Ilorin SmartCity Estate.
The land acquisition followed a stakeholders meeting held between the state government and the land owners.
According to a statement by the Press Secretary of the State Geographic Information Service, Abdulrazaq Yusuf, and made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday, the acquisition of the land was in the best interest of the people of the state and the entire nation.
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ThuApr182024
How smart city technology is shaping cities
Berg Insight’s report finds smart city technologies continue to shape the cities of tomorrow with demand for remotely managed infrastructure growing daily.
Outside China, Europe has emerged as the leading smart city technology adopter while North America constitutes the second largest market, according to research. The Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions meanwhile constitute the fastest growing markets for smart city technology, fuelled by ambitious top-down initiatives and rapid urbanisation.
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WedApr172024
Sustainability: The Goal of Every Smart City
It's indisputable that everyone is feeling the effects of global warming today. It's so prevalent worldwide that experts determine the world has only 11 years left before the damages of global warming become irreversible. The report was from 2019; it's 2024 now, and time is ticking closer to catastrophic environmental, economic, and social disasters.
Global warming is one of the primary reasons every smart city aims to be sustainable. Many smart cities, such as Abu Dhabi, aim to go fully green by 2030. On the frontlines of this mission for smart city sustainability is AI expert and smart city developer Prasanth Sasidharan. This article covers his expertise in AI, transportation, and engineering, and the worldwide blueprint for sustainability in smart cities.
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WedApr172024
SDAIA Supports Saudi Arabia's Smart Cities Transformation, Contributing to the Rise of 5 Saudi Cities in 2024 IMD Smart Cities Index
The digital transformation of smart cities in Saudi Arabia, supported by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in collaboration with several government entities, has contributed to the advancement of five Saudi cities in the 2024 IMD Smart City Index, issued by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), compared to the 2023 report.
Al-Khobar city joined the index for the first time this year, alongside Riyadh, Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah. Riyadh maintained its third position among Arab cities, while Makkah ranked fifth, Jeddah sixth, and Madinah seventh. On the global scale of the index, Riyadh advanced 25 places compared to last year, Makkah maintained its 52nd position, Jeddah advanced one place to 55th, and Madinah jumped 11 places to 74th. Moreover, Al-Khobar secured the 99th position among 142 cities worldwide.
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WedApr172024
AE: Abu Dhabi ranked among the world's top 10 smartest cities
Dubai climbs to 12th in IMD's global ranking of 124 cities
Abu Dhabi has broken into the world's top 10 smartest cities in a new ranking as the emirate continues with its digital transformation agenda.
The UAE capital climbed three places from last year to 10th in the Smart City Index 2024 compiled by Switzerland's International Institute for Management Development (IMD), which was released on Tuesday.
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WedApr172024
JP: Toyota's Smart City: £8 Billion Woven City's Futuristic Blueprint
- Toyota's £8 Billion Investment: Toyota has announced an £8 billion investment to create Woven City, a futuristic smart city at the base of an active volcano, aiming to redefine urban living through advanced technology and sustainability.
- Integration Challenges: The article explores the complexities of integrating smart technologies into urban environments, addressing issues such as privacy, data security, and the digital divide among residents.
- Sustainability and Innovation: Woven City is designed to be a carbon-neutral ecosystem, powered by hydrogen fuel cells and featuring smart homes built with traditional Japanese techniques and modern robotics.
- Living Laboratory: As a 'living laboratory', Woven City will test autonomous vehicles, AI-driven transport systems, and a digital operating system to manage urban infrastructure, setting new standards for smart city development.
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TueApr162024
CH: What makes Zurich a 'smarter' city than Geneva and Lausanne?
A new global report ranks three Swiss cities among the world’s ‘smartest.’ What exactly does this mean?
Choosing the ‘smartest’ city in the world is not an easy task, but a new study has done just that.
And its findings show not only that Zurich took the number 1 spot, but also that Geneva and Lausanne are among the top 10 (in the 4th and 7th place, respectively) — an impressive result, considering that 142 cities were ranked.
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TueApr162024
Asian and European cities inspire action for improving urban quality of life
The 2024 IMD Smart City Ranking finds European and Asian cities consistently and increasingly dominating the Top 20
Zurich retained the top spot for the fifth consecutive edition of the Index, with Oslo in second place and Canberra in third. Geneva was fourth, and Singapore fifth.
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TueApr162024
Bridging the artificial intelligence trust gap in cities
Retrieval-augmented generation is emerging as a way to help city halls get closer to more reliable, real-time generative AI usage, reports Clay Garner.
A recent survey found that 96 per cent of mayors demonstrate at least some level of interest in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). Yet, in their quest to supercharge government services with this technology, city leaders find themselves at the crossroads of transformative potential and serious challenges.
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TueApr162024
IN: Andhra Pradesh: Will develop Nellore as No. 1 smart city: Narayana
Nellore TDP MP candidate Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy, City TDP MLA candidate Dr P Narayana and Rural TDP MLA candidate Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy attended as chief guests at Nellore district Christians’ meeting held at Kasturba Kalaksheram in Nellore on Monday.
Nellore TDP MP candidate Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy, City TDP MLA candidate Dr P Narayana and Rural TDP MLA candidate Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy attended as chief guests at Nellore district Christians’ meeting held at Kasturba Kalaksheram in Nellore on Monday.
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MonApr152024
IN: Uttar Pradesh: Prayagraj Smart City initiative: 48 govt primary schools to become ‘smart’
As part of Project Phase-IV of Smart Schools, increase in the utilisation of ICT-based interventions planned
Digital smart classrooms will be established in 48 schools of UP Basic Education Council running within its urban limits, in a move that could provide a fillip to teaching and learning initiatives at government-run primary schools of the district.
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MonApr152024
Saudi Arabia’s Futuristic City Dream Faces Reality Check
The Saudi Arabian government is expected to slow down the development of the Neom City project, a key initiative of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This has diminished expectations for a construction boom in our industry.
Bloomberg reported on the 8th, citing sources, "Saudi Arabia has scaled back the midterm goals for Neom City, the largest project in Mohammed bin Salman’s plan to diversify the economy away from oil dependence.”
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SunApr142024
ZA: Government accelerates programme to connect citizens to internet
Government intends to connect 1.5 million households in rural and township areas by the end of the year to the internet, enabled by Wi-Fi hotspots.
Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, said government plans to connect 5.5 million households in rural and township areas to Wi-Fi hotspots in the next three to four years.
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SunApr142024
IN: Haryana: New Perspectives on AI-Based Road Maintenance in Gurgaon
Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) is set to revolutionize road maintenance in Haryana by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. This groundbreaking initiative will be the first of its kind in the state, promising enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
In its current state, GMDA manually conducts surveys and estimates for road repairs based on visual inspections. However, this traditional approach has limitations in terms of accuracy and time efficiency. By adopting AI technology, GMDA aims to overcome these challenges and reduce reliance on extensive manpower.
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SunApr142024
Public sector biometrics back national gains despite staggered adoption
Government biometrics projects and approvals of digital ID technologies made up most of the top news stories on Biometric Update over the past week. National biometrics registration campaigns are yielding results in Ethiopia and Nigeria, a large U.S. contract has been won by Idemia Public Security and its partner, and Australia is limiting the number of companies that will be approved for its federal digital ID system, with IDverse and Mastercard among the likely beneficiaries. Yoti’s age estimation has not won a key approval from the U.S. government, yet, and sooner or later, UK’s borders are likely to need more biometric gear deployed. On the private sector side, NEC has been revealed as the facial recognition provider for a major sports initiative.
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SunApr142024
Explained: The new highway tolling system being implemented soon in India
01/7Embracing the future of toll collection
India is poised to transform its highway tolling system through the implementation of a new satellite-based toll collection system. This cutting-edge technology, spearheaded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is poised to replace the current FASTag system. The new system promises to enhance efficiency, reduce traffic congestion, and provide a seamless travel experience for millions of commuters. By leveraging the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and GPS technology, the system will charge vehicles based on the actual distance traveled, marking a significant shift from the traditional toll booths. This article takes a deep dive into the complexities of the upcoming tolling system, its implementation, and the profound impact it will have on India’s transportation infrastructure.
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SatApr132024
Transforming Urban Spaces: Prasanth Sasidharan's Vision for Smarter, Safer Cities
How Is AI Transforming Urban Spaces into Safer Communities?
Smart cities' worldwide market is expected to hit $104.80 billion by 2024, with an annual growth rate of 12.15% by 2028. However, the shift towards technology-focused urban development driving this growth poses privacy and security issues due to the widespread use of surveillance and IoT devices. In response, tech firms and developers are turning to AI, blockchain, encryption, and big data analytics as solutions to navigate these concerns.
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SatApr132024
Ethiopia's Foreign Minister speaks about implementation of Smart City project in capital city of Ethiopia
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie briefed the diplomatic community in Addis Ababa on the implementation of the ambitious Smart City project, as reported by ENA.
The Ethiopian Foreign Minister introduced the initiative, which aims to turn the capital into a technologically advanced and sustainable metropolis. He spoke about the Addis Ababa urban corridor development project.
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SatApr132024
Transportation Problems in Megacities: Can AI Help Solve It?
Transportation is at the heart of every city. Transit is the city's circulatory system that supplies the necessary resources for the city to function. However, many megacities worldwide are experiencing a clog in the system. The average commute in the U.S. is estimated to take around 27 minutes. Back and forth, that would be nearly an hour. For one of America’s megacities, New York, the average round-trip commute can take around a staggering 79.6 minutes.
Transportation problems are a common hindrance to a city's progress, and they're one of the many problems that innovators like Prasanth Sasidharan aim to tackle. Prasanth's expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and engineering has already been adopted by large transportation companies in Abu Dhabi for compliance to city traffic authority KPI’s, fleet management including vehicle maintenance and shows how other megacities can deal with their transportation problems. Furthermore, his expertise in building integrated smart city technologies can help the world envision the future of transportation with AI at its forefront.
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FriApr122024
Street lamp solutions pave way for smarter cities
Upgrading to smart street lighting comes with many considerations, Nicola Brittain looks at a few of the most important.
A city’s ambience and security is hugely influenced by the street lighting in place. But there are financial considerations too - street lamps make up over 40% of a city’s budget and 15% of the world’s energy demand. Smart and future proof solutions are therefore essential if planners are to keep costs low while considering safety, wellbeing, investment and sustainability targets.
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FriApr122024
IN: Jammu and Kashmir: 25 new smart city buses to enhance public transport in Srinagar
Srinagar is gearing up to welcome a fleet of 25 new smart city buses, introduced by the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL). An inspection and trial run of the freshly arrived buses were carried out in the city on Thursday. Anuj Malhotra, General Manager of Planning & Urban Development at Smart City Srinagar, shared details with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), saying that the city is all set to receive 25 state-of-the-art smart city buses, which will commence operations in the coming days. He elaborated on the features of the new buses, saying these have length of over 12 metres.
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FriApr122024
Smart connected lighting: Creating a sustainable urban ecosystem
Clare Thomas, Head of Logic and Gary Bennett, Regional Director of UK and Ireland from Urbis Schréder, walk us through smart connected lighting, including their views on creating a sustainable urban ecosystem
With energy prices relentlessly rising, there has never been a better time for the government and local authorities to reduce overhead costs and increase energy savings. Gary Bennett, Regional Director (UK and Ireland) of Urbis Schréder, states, “Urbis are introducing not just lighting but offering additional services, helping customers reduce their carbon footprint and take control of their lighting solutions.”
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FriApr122024
Turning Macau into a smart city with 5.5G
At Mobile World Congress this year, we spoke with Mr. Hudson Lou, Director of Network and Services Development of Macau CTM, to discuss Macau’s digitalization journey and the potential of 5.5G
Macau occupies a relatively unique position within the global telecoms market, being one of the few cities in the world to have full coverage of both fiber and 5G. Combining this with the city’s high rate of technology adoption, it is easy to see why Macau has quickly become a hotbed of advanced 5G use cases and is well on its way to becoming a truly smart city.
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ThuApr112024
US: Florida: Miami’s Smart City ambitions: From better bus to better tech
Lauded for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and thriving economy, Miami has also been making strides toward becoming a world-recognized smart city.
Recent initiatives like an urban planning conference hosted by the University of Miami have showcased the community’s commitment to leveraging technology to promote sustainable urban development and improve quality of life. However, the transit challenges of today remain a barrier between the present and a better tomorrow.
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ThuApr112024
TH: MDES–DEPA's "DIGITAL INFINITY: SMART LIVING" Project Boosts Economy
MDES–DEPA announced the success of DIGITAL INFINITY: SMART LIVING project, building a Smart City with digital technology to boost the country’s economic value by more than 200 million baht.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), led by DEPA along with collaborative networks, announced the success of the DIGITAL INFINITY: SMART LIVING project. This project aims to create a livable smart city through digital technology, advancing smart city levels in Smart Economy, Smart Living, and Smart Governance across 11 areas in 10 provinces nationwide. The project has generated economic value exceeding 200 million baht and is poised to amplify its impact to promote and develop smart cities nationwide.
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ThuApr112024
ZW: Matabeleland North: 500MW solar plant to turn Victoria Falls into smart city
Victoria Falls is moving closer to becoming a smart tourism and green destination following plans to construct a renewable energy exhibition park and a 500MW solar plant which will be complemented by a tidal river plant on the Zambezi River.
Southpole Consulting, an international firm that was given Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status by the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (Zida), is implementing the project.
Land measuring 300 hectares near the Victoria Falls International Airport has since been identified for the solar farm project.
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ThuApr112024
New generative AI chatbot seeks to transform public sector
Chatbot is designed around a family of expert domain fine-tuned models that have unique access to government databases and generates responses and explanations.
UrbanLogiq has announced the launch of its government-grade generative AI assistant, Ethica.
According to UrbanLogiq, Ethica is designed around a family of expert domain fine-tuned models that have unique access to government databases and generates responses and explanations, from users asking questions using plain language.
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ThuApr112024
IN: Maharashtra: Nashik: Smart City officials told to start CCTVs within a month
Nashik CP Sandeep Karnik has asked officials of the Nashik Municipal Smart City Development Corporation Ltd (NMSCDCL) on Tuesday to start the CCTV project within a month.
The CCTV project is to install CCTV cameras all throughout the city. It has been four years since citizens have heard about the project, however, the work has been incomplete so far.Senior officials of the NMSCDCL have cited several reasons for the delay.
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WedApr102024
The new tech trends set to shape the smart cities of tomorrow
The World Bank estimates that by 2050 the global urban population will double in size, putting ever-increasing pressure on city streets, housing markets, infrastructure, government services, and the environment. Luckily, over the last few years, advancements in the fields of AI, IoT, robotics, and the ongoing deployment of 5G have made the timing ripe for new technological solutions to come to the rescue. In 2023, the global smart cities market was valued at $748.7 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.8% from 2023 to 2030.
These new solutions are set to reshape our urban environments into the glittering “smart cities” that exist in our imaginations — but what will that actually mean in practice?
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WedApr102024
Discovering the ‘Smart’ quotient in India’s Smart Cities
Imagine a futuristic transformation of India’s cities that goes beyond the usual, where traffic flows smoothly, energy is used judiciously, and waste is managed efficiently. This is where India’s Smart City Mission comes into the picture. It is all about transforming cities with intelligence and innovation while harnessing the power of technology to build sustainable, efficient and livable urban environments. These cities are meant to be designed for the future, staying adaptable to rapid technological advancements in the years to come. Launched on 25 June 2015, the mission selected 100 cities across the country to be developed as Smart Cities with the aim of driving economic growth and improving quality of life through comprehensive work on social, economic, physical and institutional pillars of the city.
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WedApr102024
MENA: Majority believe living in a smart city would make them happier
Mastercard Cities of the Future Report on the Mena region finds that priority innovations span connected buildings, smart travel and services powered by AI.
More than three-quarters of people (76 per cent) living in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE agree that living in a smart city would make them happier, according to research by global payment technology company Mastercard.
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WedApr102024
US: Oklahoma: Tahlequah: Cherokee Nation’s Gadugi Portal wins 2024 Smart Cities Award
The Cherokee Nation’s Gadugi Portal, which empowers tribal citizens to stay engaged and connected in an easy-to-use online platform, recently won the 2024 Smart Cities awardee for the Civic Engagement category.
The Smart Cities awards recognize the progress North American municipalities and other governments have made and provide a forum for sharing best practices to help accelerate Smart City development in the region.
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TueApr092024
Growing systems, growing threats: India’s digital infrastructure
Are the elements of India’s digital infrastructure, including DigiYatra, facilitating easy operations or are they introducing new challenges and threats to privacy?
Long ago, Air India released an advertisement for Bombay residents, offering them a flight to Delhi to join in celebrating India's first Independence Day festivities. Priced at a princely sum of Rs 140, the advertisement promised the "cheapest, fastest, and safest" mode of transport.
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TueApr092024
TH: Tech Innovations in Phuket: From Blockchain to Smart Cities
The recent years saw Phuket turn into the very place where innovations in technology are created, changing the city’s outlook and building it with fancy technology. From upgrading the existing sectors to taking the lead in the implementation of smart city solutions, the island of Phuket is keen to incorporate the digital revolution into its growth strategy.
This article unravels the futuristic innovation that Phuket has in stock using Blockchain technology and the transition into smart cities as the main point.
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MonApr082024
IN: Chhattisgarh: Raipur civic body takes over maintenance of e-toilets
Following a surprise inspection that revealed uncleanliness and malfunctioning units, Raipur Smart City has taken strong action to address the issue of poorly maintained e-toilets in the city by taking over their maintanence. The agency responsible, Hope for Humanity, has been removed from its role.
With an aim to provide convenience to the people and assure proper sanitation practices, E-toilets in the city had been constructed, whose contract of maintenance was initially given to a Hyderabad private company which after a year went bankrupt.Then Hope for Humanity took over, but they couldn't keep up, and many toilets got damaged, said an official.
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SunApr072024
US: Texas: Dallas considers putting screens along sidewalks with ads, city info — not everyone's thrilled
Kiosks could provide free internet access, generate revenue for city. Some find them distracting, unnecessary.
Dallas leaders are considering placing interactive, digital kiosks along sidewalks, a growing initiative in cites throughout the U.S.
The City of Dallas Department of Public Works has started community engagement efforts to share the vision and benefits of a citywide digital kiosk program and receive feedback from stakeholders, according to a March 26 presentation to the city council's Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
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SatApr062024
VN: Hanoi: Ambitious plans passed for the development of capital city
The plan outlines ambitious objectives for the city, which aspires to become a beacon of "Culture, Civilization, Modernity," characterised by its green, smart, and culturally rich environment.
An ambitious plan for Hà Nội to become a major 'smart city' of culture, innovation and technology is one step closer after the capital's People's Council green-lit a significant development resolution.
Hà Nội will become a beacon of "culture, civilization, modernity," characterised by its green, smart, and culturally rich environment.
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SatApr062024
IN: Jammu and Kashmir: Artificial Intelligence: Urban Governance, Planning and Delivery System
Urban world is at a pedestal of change and transformation since over a decade. The unprecedented urban growth world over has necessitated and be held a surge in embracing the information technology infrastructures. Recent trends point towards that the present decade will be a windfall transformative period in building applications, designed to be disseminated across through the public cloud and operational environments with a set of consistent artificial intelligence(AI) driven services operational at any place, offering flexibility and scalability. As a matter of fact, artificial intelligence is fast evolving as an inseparable part of urban governance, service delivery system and manner in which cities/towns would function in future. In this era of pervasive digitalization, cities and towns are progressively turning into data driven landscapes with every constituent of city and public life, getting gradually quantified, evaluated and responded.
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SatApr062024
CN: Hong Kong’s ‘smart city’ ambitions depend on trust as well as technology
“The success of government technology is not dependent solely on bits and cables – infrastructure, internet speed, and ubiquitous connectivity. No vision of smartness or technological advancement is possible without public trust and political legitimacy,” writes Kris Hartley.
In February 2024, Hong Kong police announced plans to instal 615 new surveillance cameras in areas of the city with “high crime figures and high pedestrian flows.” The announcement also mentioned the possibility of equipping the cameras with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. This news follows a January 2024 announcement that 2,000 surveillance cameras would be installed around the city this year. According to an RTHK article, Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk “added that he understood some people had privacy concerns, but said many other places had more CCTV cameras than Hong Kong.”
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SatApr062024
IN: Haryana: Cameras check violations as Karnal gets smart: 3 months, 19K challans
With traffic law violations on roads posing a significant challenge to the authorities concerned, CCTV cameras, installed under the Smart City project have emerged as an important tool for enforcing rules.
These cameras not only monitor traffic flow but also detect violations, helping curb reckless driving. Traffic violators are being issued challans online after being captured by cameras installed under the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) situated on the second floor of the Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC). These violations, include jumping red lights, illegal parking, speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, failure to wear a helmet and triple riding.
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FriApr052024
AE: Mastercard reveals details of survey on the future of smart cities
Three in four people would be happier living in a smart city, according to a new report by Mastercard
The report features insights related to human aspirations and technological progress for smart cities in the Middle East.
The report shed light on human aspirations and technological advancements driving the development of smart cities in the Middle East. With projections indicating that two-thirds of the global population will reside in urban areas by 2050, there's a growing imperative to ensure that future cities are secure, sustainable, and inclusive.
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FriApr052024
Showcasing Taiwan’s Smart City Initiatives
Now on its 11th year, the SCSE provides a platform to promote Taiwan's range of smart city and net-zero technologies and innovations.
Jointly organized by the Taipei Computer Association (TCA), the Kaohsiung City government, and the National Development Council (NDC), the 11th Smart City Summit and Expo (SCSE) held March 19–22 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 2, and March 21–23 at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center put into the spotlight Taiwan’s smart city and net-zero city solutions developments over the past decade, and how Taiwan is collaborating with countries worldwide to advance smart city and net-zero transition initiatives.
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ThuApr042024
What is a Smart City? Understanding IoT tech inclusion in cities and its Pros & Cons
Smart cities are an initiative towards sustainable life as these are built with eco-friendly buildings, inexhaustible energy sources, and air quality sensors.
In this modern technological era, the prompt emergence of new smart cities with the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine interaction led to an integrated environment. This data-driven technology will not only raise living standards through sustainability but also ensure public safety in the cities. However, there are a few aspects to be taken into account. Challenges like significant capital investment in infrastructure as well as security and privacy concerns need to be considered for the successful accomplishment of smart cities. To commence with, let us discuss the potential merits of digital cities with the Internet of Things.
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ThuApr042024
EU: DeployAI platform aims to democratise AI for public sector
This Platform is vendor-independent, ensuring fair and democratic access to AI technologies developed in Europe, including generative AI and large language models.
The European innovation ecosystem EIT Digital has announced that the flagship European artificial intelligence (AI) project DeployAI is being brought to market to make AI solutions more accessible to the public sector and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
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ThuApr042024
US: Texas: Dallas Strives for Smart City Success Amid Transit Troubles
Dallas, Texas, finds itself at a crossroads in its journey toward becoming a globally recognized smart city. While recent accolades such as the 2023 Smart 50 Awards celebrate the city’s strides in technological advancement, the shadows cast by its struggling transit system loom large, sparking debates and discontent among residents and taxpayers alike.
While winning a prestigious smart city award marks a significant achievement for residents and businesses, it also starkly contrasts this aforementioned faltering transit system—into which 10.8 billion dollars has been invested since 1999.
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ThuApr042024
GB: England: Inclusive smart city motion approved for Sunderland
Councillors have unanimously backed calls to review how local authority services are offered in Sunderland to ensure nobody is left behind as part of ‘smart city’ plans.
It comes after a motion was put before the latest meeting of Sunderland City Council seeking to ensure everyone in the city can continue to access local authority services, “even if they cannot or do not want to do so digitally”.
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ThuApr042024
Role of Digital Twin Technology in Smart City Planning
Smart cities are continuously looking for innovative ways to improve urban planning and development. One such technology that has emerged as a game-changer is digital twin technology. Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical objects or systems that can be used to monitor, analyze, and simulate real-world conditions. These digital replicas are providing cities with valuable insights into their operations and helping them better manage their resources.
Digital twins have a wide range of applications in smart city planning. They can be used to monitor traffic flows, energy usage, water and sewage systems, and other infrastructure elements. By analyzing this data, cities can make informed decisions to optimize their operations and improve urban planning. With the help of digital twins, cities can better understand the behavior of citizens and the performance of their infrastructure.
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WedApr032024
Public-private partnerships pose opportunity for DPI and national digital ID initiatives
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) may play a critical role in the development of a national digital identity infrastructure around the world. Digital transformation initiatives and the rollout of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia show a government-led push for a shift to digital services, but involving the private sector might be key to accessing the resources needed to establish a comprehensive DPI.
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are a set of aims for 2030 designed for developing nations to achieve equitable economic, social, and environmental sustainability. While DPI is tied to many of these goals, and SDG 16.9 explicitly sets out to provide a legal digital identity for all, public finance is stretched thin between these objectives, climate change obligations and other serious humanitarian concerns across the Global South and other regions. Public finance alone will likely not be able to fund a robust DPI for the nations that could benefit most from it.
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WedApr032024
Digital Overhaul: How India's Tax System Is Revolutionising With Technology
India's tax authorities are leveraging data analytics to enhance decision-making processes
India, a nation on the cusp of digital revolution, is witnessing a transformative journey in its tax administration. The integration of digital technologies is reshaping the landscape of tax collection and compliance, promising increased efficiency, transparency, and a significant reduction in tax evasion. The digital transformation of tax administration in India is not just a modernisation effort but a game changer that holds the potential to revolutionise the entire tax ecosystem.
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WedApr032024
Saudi Arabia launches Digital Transformation Index 2024 amid e-government growth
The latest edition of a framework designed to enhance e-government services and accelerate digital innovation in Saudi Arabia has been launched.
The Digital Transformation Index for 2024 seeks to elevate the commitment levels of the public sector to decisions and directives concerning technological evolution.
Additionally, it aims to improve the quality of e-government services offered to beneficiaries and contribute to the Kingdom’s international leadership in this field, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
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WedApr032024
GB: Digital government is failing. The cracks are starting to show
City Voices: It is not possible to build an innovative, robust, and resilient digital government on top of the infrastructure built almost 10 years before the internet existed
There is endless political discussion about how digital technologies can transform the public sector and create cost savings.
But the truth is, digitalisation in the UK is not doing all that well. A brief survey uncovers a picture of a digital government that is failing. The infrastructure is old, antiquated, and costly – it is full of creaking, fragmented systems that are vulnerable to collapse or to cyber attacks. Without urgent action, the UK risks going backwards and falling behind internationally.
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WedApr032024
VN: PM urges youth to pioneer in digital transformation
The youths should play a pioneering role in spurring the nation’s digital transformation as the digital economy is expected to make up 30% of the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.
The youths should play a pioneering role in spurring the nation’s digital transformation as the digital economy is expected to make up 30% of the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said at a dialogue with them held in Hanoi on March 26.
The event, the second of its kind, attracted the participation of 300 standout young people nationwide.
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TueApr022024
IN: The Future of Urban Development: Smart Cities And Real Estate
In today's day and age, smart cities encompass three fundamental components - the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable resource utilization. For example, IoT facilitates optimized traffic flow through intelligent traffic lights, enhances waste management via sensor-equipped bins, and pushes public safety through smart surveillance systems. Concurrently, AI facilitates predictive decision-making, operational optimization, and personalized services for residents.
It can forecast traffic patterns, reduce energy consumption in buildings, and aid in emergency response by analyzing data trends. Moreover, smart cities prioritize the utilization of sustainable resources to mitigate environmental impact and foster healthier living conditions. They leverage renewable energy sources, promote the construction of green buildings, and implement efficient waste management systems. These sustainable practices mitigate carbon footprints and cultivate more sustainable urban ecosystems.
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TueApr022024
US: Massachusetts: Boston Was Not Ranked As ‘The Smartest City In America’ This Year
Despite being neighbors with two of the top three universities in the world (MIT #1, Harvard #3), Boston did not take home the top spot as 'America's smartest city.'
Massachusetts is praised for its higher education system, home to some of the best universities in the world that bred some of the most influential people like Mark Zuckerburg, Amanda Gorman, Matt Damon, Martin Luther King Jr., and Daniella Pierson-whether for a semester or four years. To say the educators and students of Boston have changed the world would be an understatement.
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TueApr022024
US: Washington: Seattle Is One Of The Most “Smart Cities” In America
We’re talking about “smart” as in technologically advanced.
What is a smart city?
Seattle is the 5th smartest city in the entire United States, according to a new study from Top10.com. This particular study defines a “smart city” as one that uses technology like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) to further improve the city’s infrastructure and public services while simultaneously providing even better opportunities for economic and social growth.
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MonApr012024
NG: Waiting for Emerging Smart City in Abia’s Capital Territory
At the moment, Cosmo Base Consortium has designed a smart city with residential and industrial areas in the backward areas of Umuahia in Abia State, but without the defections of the capital city territory. Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo reports that it is a grandiose project initiated by the private sector operator to showcase what city dwelling should really be like, where amenities are part of life and living is as comfortable as can be.
Like most capital cities in Nigeria, Umuahia, the Abia State capital offers residents little or no comfort. Life could be frustrating as social amenities that distinguish cities from rural areas are virtually absent. The absence of pipeborne water sticks out like a sore thumb. It’s part of life to see Umuahia residents flocking to private residences that have borehole facilities to get water for their domestic uses.
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MonApr012024
Embracing Digital Transformation in the Public Sector: Delivering Better Citizen Services
Public sector organizations face immense pressure to improve efficiencies in the services they deliver to citizens and businesses.
Budget constraints coupled with growing community expectations provide a mandate for digital modernization initiatives across government agencies.
By leveraging emerging technologies such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence, the public sector may cut costs, expedite operations, and deliver more accessible, tailored services.
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SunMar312024
IN: Jammu and Kashmir: Srinagar Smart City projects undergo scrutiny for timely completion
In the pursuit of transforming Srinagar into a modern metropolis, the key aspects of infrastructure development, technological implementations, and urban rejuvenation efforts are being meticulously scrutinized to ensure adherence to quality standards and project timelines within the Srinagar Smart City initiative.
Under the visionary leadership of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and with the active participation of various stakeholders, the smart city projects are progressing with a keen focus on meeting the highest standards of excellence.
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SunMar312024
Huawei releases National Cloud 2.0 solution to help governments achieve digital visions
Huawei has released the National Cloud 2.0 solution world to help government organisations around the world accelerate national digital transformation and promote intelligence.
Mr Hu Yuhai, Vice President of Huawei Hybrid Cloud, said: “Global digital transformation has reached a new stage of full intelligence driven by data and AI.
The National Cloud 2.0 solution from Huawei provides trusted cloud infrastructure, innovative cloud services, and extensive industry know-how. We aim to help governments achieve national digital visions faster.”
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SunMar312024
ZW: Mashonaland West: Chegutu’s smart city project gathers pace
The creation of a smart city with modern infrastructure and amenities in Chegutu is gathering pace as the layout plan is presently being finalised.
Risboro Farm, which measures 1 176 hectares, was handed over to the Chegutu Rural District Council (RDC) and the Chegutu Municipality by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works in 2022 for the expansion of the town, as well as creation of the smart city.
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SatMar302024
US: Hawaii: As AI emerges, Honolulu’s time to become a ‘smart city’ is now
Not many people outside of a smart city know or understand what a smart city is.
A smart city has the ability to integrate information and communication technologies (ICT) in order to improve the quality and performance of urban services such as energy, transportation and utilities so that there is a reduction in resource consumption, wastage and overall costs.
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SatMar302024
TW: Kaohsiung City Embraces Digital Transformation and Healthcare Innovation
Kaohsiung City is setting a new standard for sustainable urban development & better healthcare services by leveraging 5G and AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) technologies. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Kaohsiung’s vision for a smart city environment prioritizes both digital transformation and social well-being.
This ambitious plan integrates cutting-edge technologies like 5G and AIoT into public and private sectors, fostering digital governance and propelling industrial transformation. By promoting value-added traditional industries and establishing a hub for international export, Kaohsiung aims to create a unprecedented economic landscape.
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SatMar302024
Nusantara smart city as Indonesia's big strategy for digitalization
The Indonesian government is currently working on the development of Indonesia’s new capital city Nusantara as one of its big strategies to achieve the 2045 Golden Indonesia vision.
The 2015-2085 Indonesian Dream emphasizes the importance of this country's human resources, whose intelligence surpasses that of other nations, and the need for Indonesia to become a barometer of world economic growth.
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FriMar292024
RO: ARSC launches the only Smart City competition in the country and Eastern Europe
Romania, the biggest advance in the region in the transformation of cities into smart localities
The Romanian Smart City Association (ARSC) launches a new edition of the SCIA Gala, the only Smart City competition in the country and Eastern Europe, because Romania registers the greatest advance in the region in the transformation cities and villages in smart localities, being a landmark in the field.
The Smart City Industry Awards (SCIA – 8th edition) competition is open until March 25, 2024, and is dedicated to smart city and smart village projects, both developed and implemented by public institutions and those carried out by private companies. Within the competition, the most innovative smart city and smart village projects in the country are awarded, which contribute to the transformation of the localities in Romania to improve the quality of life of the citizens.
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FriMar292024
IN: Jammu and Kashmir: Srinagar on the way to becoming a smart city
Smart City project is going on to make Srinagar a smart city. Under which development work is being done in different areas. In this series, noise monitoring system has been installed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Smart City Project. This is an important step to reduce noise pollution and its harmful effects in crowded areas.
The system operates through a series of strategically deployed sensors equipped to continuously monitor and record noise levels at various locations in the city. This is designed to capture real-time data, providing invaluable insight into the patterns and sources of noise pollution.
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FriMar292024
NG: Foreign investors set to build a smart city in Imo State ― Commissioner
The Imo State Government has concluded arrangements with foreign investors from South Korea for the establishment of a smart city in the state.
The Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Statistics, Hon. Christopher Chukwuemeka Osuala, said this to newsmen in Owerri, Monday led by the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma on Networking, Onwuzuruike Chantel Adanna Chinyere.
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FriMar292024
NEC Indonesia Ready to Collaborate with Telkom Indonesia to Develop Smart City in Nusantara Capital and Other Cities in Indonesia
NEC Indonesia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Telkom Indonesia, the biggest digital telecommunications company in Indonesia, which is strongly committed to accelerating the country's digitalization.
Both companies agreed to collaborate in developing Smart Cities in the new capital city, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), and other Indonesian cities. Their goal is to create a more sustainable and livable environment for citizens by adopting digital technologies in city operations.
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FriMar292024
US: California: Oakland goes digital: New kiosks are designed to help community
Fifty kiosks are expected to be installed throughout the city by the end of the year
The city of Oakland is going digital as part of a new effort to give residents and visitors better access to information.
Restaurants, shops, local events, city jobs and emergency service will all be at your fingertips.
“They will not only modernize how we find our way throughout the city of Oakland, but also empower businesses, non-profits, boost tourism, and invigorate our economy,” said Mayor Sheng Thao.
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FriMar292024
Smart City Trends to Watch for in 2024 and Beyond
Back when we first wrote this collection of smart city trends, it was amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The general sentiment at the time was that shut-down had put many smart city plans on hold. We all recall hearing about the inevitable rise in self-driving cars. Some experts were even predicting, as outlandishly futuristic as it might sound, flying cars. But our dreams of living in Back to the Future II were put on hold when the health crisis caused cities to re-evaluate their infrastructure plans.
However, despite our general lack of hover-crafts, the pandemic did not kill the smart city dream. On the contrary, many cities pursued other less overtly dramatic smart city initiatives in part because of the pandemic. After all, the smartest cities know that a digitally connected community is just as much about promoting public health and safety, improving emergency response, and effective analytics as it is about transportation and sustainability. They also know that in the long run a smart city saves more than it costs.
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ThuMar282024
How smart is your city? A health checklist
The allure of the “smart city” flickers like a neon sign in the urban landscape. Promises of efficiency, sustainability, and improved quality of life abound.
But beyond the buzzwords, how do we assess the true intelligence of our urban environments?
Is yours a shining example of technological prowess, or a city struggling to keep pace with its aspirations?
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ThuMar282024
IN: Goa: Panaji: Ready to adopt EVs, say pvt bus owners
Private bus operators in Goa have expressed their readiness to embrace the shift towards Smart City electric vehicles (EVs) as part of the private bus replacement scheme. During the meeting with chief minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday, private bus operators highlighted their grievances, particularly regarding the absence of prior consultation before the release of the notification announcing the commencement of Smart City EV operations in Panaji and its peripheries, from April 1.tnn
They expressed apprehensions about their future if their services were to be phased out without adequate support measures in place.
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ThuMar282024
Getting smarter? Europe struggling with smart energy efficiency interconnectivity
One of the biggest obstacles to deploying energy efficiency solutions is the part of it you can’t see – the lack of data interoperability between various components. Europe is struggling to ensure smart energy efficiency is truly interconnected.
Today, Europe finds itself at an energy efficiency crossroads. There are more digital applications using household, company and transport energy more efficiently. But at the same time, the various systems are not able to communicate with appliances and utilities effectively, to make switching to smart energy simple for consumers.
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ThuMar282024
US: Florida approves statewide AI traffic management by NoTraffic
Smart sensors, artificial intelligence and cloud computing can help city leaders implement traffic policies and priorities, the developer says.
Dive Brief:
- Florida is the latest state to approve an AI-driven traffic management system from NoTraffic, a Tel Aviv-based developer currently operating in more than 24 states and parts of Canada.
- Orlando, Collier County and Pasco County are among the parts of Florida already using NoTraffic’s systems. With this approval from the Florida Department of Transportation, the company can now operate throughout the state, it said in a March 13 news release.
- NoTraffic’s system combines hardware such as smart sensors with artificial intelligence software to give traffic authorities the ability to control and prioritize traffic flow for all transportation modes, including vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles, the company said.
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ThuMar282024
A new city is rising in Egypt. But is it what the country needs?
In an expanse of desert 30 miles east of Cairo, Egypt, a new city is rising. Already boasting the tallest tower in Africa and the biggest cathedral in the Middle East, the city is one of a series of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s grand megaprojects intended to develop the country’s economy.
Construction of the “New Administrative Capital” began in 2016, and is being completed in phases. According to Khaled Abbas, chairman of the Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD), the company overseeing the project, phase one is almost complete and phase two is expected to begin in the last quarter of this year.
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WedMar272024
QA: Ministry of Municipality digitalises waste disposal permit service
The Ministry of Municipality has digitalised waste disposal permit service which will be launched on March 30, 2024.
The new service will enable the beneficiary to request for a permit to dispose of waste in one of the ministry’s dumpsites or landfills.
It features automatic issuance of permits immediately without interference from employees by verifying all documents required by linking with the Ministry of Interior.
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WedMar272024
‘Qatar harbours innovative ecosystem, infrastructure for digital transformation’
Qatar embarks on a significant course to implement innovative ecosystem and infrastructure towards transforming the country into a digital transformation said an expert.
Businesses in Qatar have been heavily invested in modern technology, reinforced by governments as early consumers of the technology. The development of non-oil sectors through investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies could strategically position the country as a regional hub for tech advancements.
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WedMar272024
IN: Jammu and Kashmir: Srinagar: Authorities to complete Smart City projects before deadline
The ambitious smart city projects in the downtown area of Srinagar are well underway, with the completion of the majority of the slated ventures. As per latest reports, out of the 158 projects earmarked for the area, a substantial 93 have already been successfully completed, with work progressing rapidly on the remaining ventures.
These smart city initiatives, deemed vital for the urban development of Srinagar, are poised to meet the looming June deadline, as affirmed by officials closely associated with the project. With extensive efforts underway, the execution of the projects in the downtown area is proceeding at full throttle to ensure timely completion.
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WedMar272024
Bitel launches smart city project in Peru
Aims to reduce crime rates and streamline services
Bitel, a major telecom in Peru, has invested $70,000 in a smart city project involving facial recognition in Trujillo, specifically in the District Municipality of Salaverry. This surveillance initiative aims to integrate biometric technology into the existing urban infrastructure, with the goal of improving residents’ quality of life, streamlining urban services, and reducing crime rates.
As part of the initiative, Bitel strategically plans to deploy smart devices and security cameras throughout the district, aiming to monitor public spaces in real-time. These devices’ ability to collect, analyze, and act upon data in real-time allows for immediate response to incidents, enhancing public safety and security.
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TueMar262024
Smart City Expo USA to Take Place in New York City and Feature Mayor Eric Adams
The expo - hosted at Pier 36 on May 22nd and 23rd - will showcase companies and leaders in government, tech, infrastructure, finance, equity, and climate building smarter, more sustainable cities
Smart City Expo USA today announced that its 2024 conference will be held in New York City on May 22-23 at Pier 36, with the support of the city. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser, and New York Economic Development Corporation CEO Andrew Kimball will all give remarks as part of the event.
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TueMar262024
How IT Can Help In Building Sustainable Urban Ecosystems
We’ve been witnessing so much growth, starting from the appearance of the Internet to the updated versions. Web2 to Web3 and now Smart Cities from 1 to 2. The fusion of technology and urban planning is redefining the way we live. A smart city is a vertical of Internet of Things (IoT)—a term used to define a network that not only connects people but also the objects around them.
The Future Of Smart Cities
As an entrepreneur deeply entrenched in the IT industry for over two decades, I see so many changes in daily life thanks to IT, like smart homes and innovations in solar and wind power. The potential of Smart Cities 2.0 is now developing fast.
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TueMar262024
VN: Digitalisation expected to help Hanoi become civilised, modern
Efforts to digitalise administrative procedures and promote digital transformation in Hanoi have recorded significant progress, from awareness to action in sectors, agencies, and units, contributing to creating new motivations for the capital city’s civilised and modern development in all aspects.
At a parking lot in Tay Ho Temple in Tay Ho district, vehicles with sticker codes on them can enter and exit through automatic barriers. Moreover, cashless payments are used exclusively, providing residents with quick, convenient, and time-saving services at transparent prices as regulated by the Hanoi People's Committee.
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TueMar262024
GB: Buckinghamshire: Milton Keynes: City innovation is centre stage thanks to City Council and OU partnership
Milton Keynes City Council and The Open University are once again teaming up to promote Milton Keynes as one of the world’s leading smart cities through the hugely successful MK:Smart initiative.
Led by the OU and involving more than 20 organisations, MK:Smart began ten years ago to introduce large scale technology trials to Milton Keynes in order to research and demonstrate how cities around the world could improve standards for their citizens through innovation, with specific work into sustainable transport, energy use and water consumption.
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MonMar252024
JP: Woven City: Inside the £8,000,000,000 futuristic city for just 2,000 people in mass human experiment
Ambitious plans to build a utopian sustainable city at the foot of an active Japanese volcano are well on their way to completion.
First announced in 2021, Toyota has been hard at work constructing their Woven City just miles away from Mount Fuji on the island of Honshū, with the first of 2,000 anticipated residents now expected to move in before the end of the year.
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MonMar252024
Digital twins and the future of Singapore
With its ability to build an exact digital replica of anything from a small motor vehicle to entire cities, digital twins comprise one of the most promising tech developments of this decade. Singapore is at the vanguard of this leap as it holds the distinction of being the first country with its own virtual replica that is accurate down to individual buildings' rooftops, facades, and windows. With such detail, urban planners can do things that are approaching the realm of science fiction. Designers can simulate every metre of a new railway or bus lane, along with its impact on streets, households, and even at the individual level.
Digital twins also hold immense potential for high-value sectors such as manufacturing, which contributes a staggering 20% to Singapore's GDP.
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MonMar252024
Virgin Media O2 successfully trials smart poles to boost UK coverage
Virgin Media O2 has successfully trialled an innovative new way of improving and expanding mobile services by bringing together its fixed network infrastructure with new smart poles, which could help to boost mobile coverage in local areas across the UK.The innovation trial, delivered in collaboration with shareholder Liberty Global, has seen smart poles installed beside the operator’s existing national fibre network cabinets. The poles, which are much smaller than traditional mobile phone masts and do not require planning permission, can be safely installed in less than a day and house small cell technology which can boost mobile coverage in busy areas.
In a UK first, the electricity is supplied by Virgin Media’s fibre network rather than a traditional power supply through innovative ‘digital electricity’ technology, which transmits power from on-street cabinets in the local area along fibre optic cables. The same fixed fibre network is also used to carry data to and from the mobile cells and the internet.
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SunMar242024
The Era of Smart Cities
The term “smart city” refers to the use of technology and data-driven solutions to enhance residents’ quality of life, improve efficiency and address various issues (like traffic congestion, pollution, and public safety). The phenomenon is on the rise worldwide, with many local governments adopting smart technologies.
One of the most important infrastructures for a smart city is a robust and effective Wi-Fi network. One such example is Hertfordshire in the UK, which recently upgraded its Wi-Fi infrastructure in over 300 government offices and community hubs. According to Innovation News Network, having a secure network with robust AI capabilities helped Hertfordshire County Council improve connectivity and benefit the community by encouraging residents to use public spaces. Other benefits include a supported hybrid working style and the minimization of roadblocks. Furthermore, if the Hertfordshire County Council wants to integrate other smart technologies, it will already have the foundational infrastructure.
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SunMar242024
Digital public infra transforming India: Nirmala
India has made strides in digitalization and the digital public infrastructure (DPI) has had a transformative impact on the country, said Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman here on Saturday.
Speaking at Indira Gandhi Arts and Science College after unveiling the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, Nirmala started off mentioning about her roots in Trichy.She outlined the government's commitment to inclusive growth and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for India's advancement.
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SunMar242024
Breaking down the silos to create efficient smart cities
The number of people expected to be living in cities is set to double by 2050 to some 6.4 billion urban dwellers. To cope with this population increase, and to adjust to the new needs of larger cosmopolitan environments, cities will require new and innovative ways of managing their assets and resources.
This is addressed by various smart city initiatives, where clever ways of connecting technologies, data and stakeholders, result in completely new fashions to manage e.g. traffic, street lighting, parking, waste collection or public safety. But for a city to become truly smart, it also needs to break the often-existing silos between different city departments, as well as the silos between public and private entities.
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SatMar232024
Europe Smart Cities Market To Set Massive CAGR Of 13.95% During 2024-2032
According to IMARC Group, the Europe smart cities market size is projected to exhibit a growth rate (CAGR) of 13.95% during 2024-2032.
The report has segmented the market by Focus area (smart transportation, smart buildings, smart utilities, smart citizen services), smart transportation (smart ticketing, traffic management system, passenger information management system, freight information system, connected vehicles, and others), smart buildings (building energy optimization, emergency management system, parking management system, and others), smart utilities (advanced metering infrastructure, distribution management system, substation automation, and others), smart citizen services (smart education, smart healthcare, smart public safety, smart street lighting, and others), and country.
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SatMar232024
What It Will Take To Build Smart Cities
The concept of a smart city has captured the imagination of urban planners and residents. These cities, powered by cutting-edge technology and data-driven solutions, promise to revolutionize the urban experience.
At the heart of the smart city revolution lies the promise of efficiency and convenience. Imagine a city where public services are integrated, where traffic flows smoothly thanks to real-time data analysis and where energy consumption is optimized to reduce environmental impact.
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SatMar232024
Why Canada's Smart Cities Challenge Is Missing The Mark
The Canadian federal government launched the Smart Cities Challenge in 2017 to award up to $50 million to municipal governments that are best able to leverage technology to improve life in their cities.
The challenge is part of the government's Impact Canada Initiative, which aims to address complex economic, environmental and social problems across the country.
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SatMar232024
Thales expands AI smart city partnership with Neural Labs
France's Thales has expanded its partnership with Neural Labs to support the development of AI powered smart city infrastructure.
Thales is a provider of smart technologies, electronic systems, software, space, ground transportation, services, and equipment to the aerospace, defense, and security markets.
Headquartered in Spain, Neural Labs provides video analysis for smart cities to create safe transport solutions.
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FriMar222024
A Government Cloud Service Drives Thailand Towards ASEAN's Digital Hub
Digital transformation is accelerating at breakneck speed around the world. Many countries have been investing in digital transformation and designing national strategies to establish digital infrastructure and develop a digital economy. They understand that powerful digital infrastructure and a robust digital economy are key to navigating the complexities of digital transformation and enhancing their competitive edge. ASEAN remains one of the world's most vibrant and fastest-growing economic regions. The burgeoning digital economy in this region continues to grow.
Thailand, situated at the heart of ASEAN, has been leading the development of the digital economy in the region and boasts the second largest economy there. In 2016, the government of Thailand announced their Thailand 4.0 strategy, a 20-year plan for national economic and social development. The strategy aims at leveraging innovative technologies to promote high-value-added businesses, pull the country out of the middle-income trap, and enhance its overall competitiveness. The government is pushing forward digital transformation to promote industry transformation and transform Thailand into a high-income country.
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FriMar222024
IT: Venice: What does a smart city look like?
In a keynote presentation at Merchant Payments Ecosystem 2024 in Berlin, Hemlata Narasimhan, president of Elavon explored what a smart city could look like in 2030, using Venice, Italy as a case study.
The presentation started with an AI of Venice as a smart city speaking to the audience from the future, explaining how it can charge people automatically for congestion, allow tourists to book and pay for gondola rides using biometric technology, and control autonomous electric vehicles as they drive around the city and charge.
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FriMar222024
US: Connecticut: Bridgeport is a ‘smart city’ — and is working toward a bright future
The term “smart city” was coined in the mid-2000s to describe an idealized blend of modern technologies, enlightened urban planning and broadly inclusive civic engagement. It’s a semi-utopian notion that draws on a deeply rooted human instinct for gathering together and creating shared spaces that provide safety, security, and comfort.
But what does it take for a city to become genuinely smart? The City of Bridgeport offers some intriguing clues. Despite a series of political, economic, and social challenges, the Park City is thoughtfully implementing innovative solutions that qualify it as a “smart city.”
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ThuMar212024
Myanmar’s E-ID system means progress or surveillance?
The new system collects biometric and biographic information from residents
In February 2021, the military staged a coup in Myanmar, citing allegations of “electoral fraud” by the National League for Democracy (NLD) party in the 2020 general elections. We've been monitoring the country since and registered the rise in authoritarian narratives and practices from the military. Our researchers have been on the frontlines of understanding Myanmar's media ecosystem and the many shifts in the narratives spread by the military junta.
One of our researchers wanted to dive deeper into the junta's attempt to implement an electronic biometric identification system, and how that would worsen the country’s human rights situation. The result is the story you can read below, written by our researcher based in Myanmar, whose identity will be kept private for security reasons.
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ThuMar212024
Bridging Tech Gap For Sustainable Digital Inclusion In Nigeria
Digital divide or technology gap, which is the gap that exists in various aspects, including internet access, computer literacy, and skills required to navigate the digital world, has indeed widened in Nigeria, due to advancements in global technology.
While developed nations are creating new technologies that will propel the digital age, Nigeria and other developing nations are having to play catch-up due to inadequate ICT infrastructure.
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ThuMar212024
Revitalizing Kampala: Transforming Uganda's Capital into a Planned City
Kampala, the bustling capital of Uganda, stands at a pivotal crossroads as it seeks to reimagine its urban landscape and chart a path towards sustainable development. Amidst rapid population growth and urbanization, the city grapples with myriad challenges ranging from congestion and inadequate infrastructure to environmental degradation and social inequalities. However, ambitious plans are underway to transform Kampala into a well-planned city that fosters economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
At the heart of Kampala's revitalization efforts lies the concept of urban planning, a fundamental tool for shaping the city's future trajectory. Recognizing the need for a holistic approach, urban planners advocate for integrated land use policies, efficient transportation systems, and equitable access to basic services. By envisioning Kampala as a compact, walkable, and vibrant urban centre, stakeholders aim to enhance livability and foster a sense of community among residents.
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ThuMar212024
US: Wisconsin: Officials: Kenosha FiberCity set to reach first homes in the near future
Over one million feet of network lines have been installed throughout the city.
A citywide fiber network created to connect Kenosha residents with lightning-fast, reliable, affordable internet will soon reach its first Kenosha homes, according to SiFi Networks officials.
SiFi Networks is the driving force behind Kenosha FiberCity. It privately funds and operates citywide, open-access Smart City-enabled fiber networks across the United States.
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WedMar202024
OM: Framework to regulate smart cities this year: TRA
The regulatory framework for smart cities is likely to be ready by the end of this year, according to a top official. Speaking to the Observer recently, Omar al Ismaili, CEO of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), said, "There is no limit on how this concept of smart cities will evolve. It is based on guidelines, including that from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the ISO standard. There is a national effort regarding the smart city and this is a good example of a collaborative regulation." It has been prepared in cooperation with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MoUHP) and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT).
Oman Vision 2040 identifies smart cities as a strategic national initiative that acts as a source of economic growth, creating jobs and a tool to diversify the economy.
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WedMar202024
KE: How Konza smart city will be different from Nairobi
In Summary
- Konza is connected to Mombasa, Kenya's second-largest city and the main port of entry into East Africa, by the A109 highway.
- The highway also connects Konza City to Nairobi and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Nairobi is often called ‘the green city in the sun’. The capital boasts of being a city that combines a rich legacy of culture, scenic beauty, and innovative urban development.
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TueMar192024
Korea urged to prioritize hydrogen, smart cities for NEOM development
Experts advise Seoul to shift from passivity and embrace bold initiatives
Korea should prioritize hydrogen and smart city initiatives to enhance its influence on NEOM, a pioneering city being built in Saudi Arabia by leading companies from around the world with the goal of maximizing efficiency and eco-friendliness for the anticipated 9 million residents, according to government officials and experts, Tuesday.
As the oil-rich kingdom seeks to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies to address the climate crisis and align with global initiatives on carbon neutrality, Seoul should capitalize on Saudi Arabia's needs by showcasing Korea's capabilities, particularly in the world's largest city construction project, the experts said.
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TueMar192024
CN: Smart mobility transformation of Hong Kong’s transportation system is on track
- With robust backing by the Hong Kong Government, the city is set to transform its transportation system and promote overall sustainability by adopting innovative technologies.
- Hong Kong’s emerging tech-driven smart mobility ecosystem presents numerous opportunities for collaborations between local and international corporations.
Transportation, a daily necessity, is central to Hong Kong’s smart city development, as detailed in the “Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong 2.0” published by the Government in 2020.
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TueMar192024
Vietnam suggests empowering women in digital transformation
Vice State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan suggested empowering women and girls in science, technology and digital transformation while addressing the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York on March 11 (local time).
The work should go in tandem with the fight against discrimination and violence in cyberspace, she said, stressing the need to promote women’s role in building an international environment of peace, stability, and inclusive and sustainable development, and handling non-traditional challenges, especially climate change.
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MonMar182024
These are some of the world's top smart and sustainable cities
- Multiple factors are needed for a smart and sustainable city, such as social cohesion, human capital and economic performance.
- The IESE ranking of the world’s most sustainable and smart cities is led by European and US cities, but many cities from elsewhere perform strongly against individual measures.
- With increasing numbers of people living in cities, initiatives like the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Cities, which aims to tackle urban affordability, will become more important.
London, Paris, New York – it’s easy to reel off a list of the world’s most famous cities. But what makes a great city? And behind the hype and celebrity, are there other cities we should be celebrating as we look to create smart, sustainable, liveable urban spaces of the future?
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MonMar182024
IN: Arunachal Pradesh gets its first AI based smart parking facility
Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu inaugurated a cutting-edge, fully automated AI-based smart parking system at the premises of Tomo Riba Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun on March 10. This innovative parking solution, one of the firsts in the country, significantly enhances the capacity to accommodate 72 vehicles across 4 towers, addressing the longstanding parking challenges in Itanagar, particularly around TRIHMS, according to officials.
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MonMar182024
ZA: Master plan developed for the Lanseria smart city – Kubayi
Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said the Greater Lanseria master plan has been developed by a multidisciplinary team as the first phase of the smart city President Cyril Ramaphosa envisioned five years ago.
Kubayi said significant investment was still required for bulk infrastructure in the area.
She also said the City of Joburg has invested about R29 million of the Urban Settlements Development Grant towards the Lanseria wastewater treatment works and the Lanseria sewer outfall.
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SunMar172024
What is a smart city? How many such cities have been built in India so far?
Even the government does not have the answer to the question of: what is a smart city. In June 2015, a ‘Mission Statement and Guidelines’ were issued for this mission. In this document, it is said that there is no universal definition of ‘smart city’. According to the document, “The definition of a smart city is different for every person. So its meaning changes from city to city.”
However, the very next paragraph talks about building ‘developmental’ infrastructure for cities and providing excellent services. According to the document, the entire urban eco-system should be developed in such a way that it is in line with parameters of institutional, physical, social and economic infrastructure. In a sense, push for holistic development.
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SunMar172024
IN: Uttar Pradesh: Gorakhpur: Efforts should be directed towards making cities smart: Yogi
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday highlighted the need to embrace technology for the advancement of both individuals and cities, making them 'smart' in today's era.
The CM was addressing a public meeting after laying the foundation stone and inaugurating 253 development projects worth Rs 482 crore of Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation. He also inaugurated the Integrated Control and Command Centre, released the Gorakhpur News Letter and flagged off 34 sanitation vehicles.
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SunMar172024
Smart City and its new processes
At the next Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, Telefónica will present its vision on the comprehensive management of smart services for cities.
At the booth Smart City Expo World Congress of Barcelona that Telefónica will occupy, a tour will be offered about the double vision of the smart cities through the prism of the city council and the citizen as active parties and beneficiaries of the city’s development.
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SatMar162024
Revolutionizing Cityscapes: How IoT Unlocks the Utopia of Smart Cities
Imagine waking up in a city that anticipates your needs, optimizes its resources, and adapts in real time to ensure your life is as smooth and efficient as possible. A city that seems to breathe along with its inhabitants, learning and evolving with each passing day. This is no longer the stuff of science fiction; it’s the burgeoning reality shaped by the Internet of Things (IoT), and it’s redefining urban living as we know it.
Smart City Infrastructure and the surreptitious marriage with IoT are crafting cityscapes straight out of a utopian narrative. As we usher in an era where urban populations soar and the drumbeat for robust infrastructure is deafening, IoT emerges as the perfect dance partner, twirling cities into a synchronized rhythm of efficiency and sustainability.
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SatMar162024
ID: USTDA approves US$2.5 Million Grant for Nusantara's Smart City Infrastructure Development
The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has approved a grant of US$2.5 million to support the Nusantara Capital Authority in developing detailed designs and procurement documentation for its priority smart city infrastructure in Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara.
The USTDA announced that the funding is intended to improve the development of Nusantara’s smart city initiatives. They also plan to host a reverse trade mission next month, bringing a delegation of senior officials and decision-makers from Nusantara to the US.
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SatMar162024
EnGenius Releases New Broadband Outdoor Wireless Solutions to Empower Industrial and Smart City Applications
EnGenius' EOC series is transforming connectivity in smart cities and industrial environments with advanced Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint solutions. The new series comes with dual radios, operating in 5GHz and 6GHz, with integrated NMS for ease of deployment and superior functionality to diverse sectors.
EnGenius Technologies Inc., a pioneer in innovative connectivity solutions, has launched the new Broadband Outdoor EOC655 series, with an efficient network management system called SkyPoint. This series provides integrated Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint connectivity and is ideal for various sectors, including smart cities, remote industrial control, and public safety. With dual 5 GHz radios, it is well-suited for dense radio frequency (RF) environments and offers secure and reliable broadband for last-mile and backhaul applications. The EOC series also features a mobile app, making it easy for wireless technicians and installers to deploy and use. It is designed to meet the evolving demands of dynamic industries and offers enhanced efficiency and superior functionality.
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SatMar162024
EU: Old concepts, new paradigms: the business model challenge in the smart city era
How to monetise environmental benefits? What’s the value of reducing traffic and emissions? Economic savings and traditional methods are not enough: to calculate the profitability of smart and sustainable cities, we need to rethink the concept of business model.
Forty trillion euros. It’s the sum needed to decarbonize the EU economy by 2050, according to a report by the Institut Rousseau that the French think tank presented in February at the European Greens Congress. Investments that involve both private and public actors.
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FriMar152024
VN: How will Hanoi's $4.2B smart city be developed?
The smart city of Hanoi, covering 270 hectares in the northern Dong Anh District, is set to feature a 108-floor financial tower, apartment complexes, and hundreds of luxurious villas.
This project, as detailed in an official document signed by Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Cong Thanh on March 5, has received environmental impact assessment approval.
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FriMar152024
NG: Smart City: Town Planners Pledge Support For Cross River
Institute of Town Planners, Cross River State chapter has indicated interest to work with the Cross River State government to turn the state capital to a smart city. Among the benefits that the state stands to enjoy should the city acquire the status of smart city includes free traffic flow, low accidents rates, and technological management of traffic data as done in advanced nations.
The chairman of the institute in Cross River State, Dr Samuel Emri, indicated the institute’s interest at the inauguration of the state executive body of the institute in Calabar at the weekend.
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FriMar152024
NG: Lagos to fast-track LAG-ID card delivery
The Lagos State Government says it will ensure the delivery of the Lagos Resident Card, commonly called LAG-ID cards, to the homes of the residents more reliably.
The LAG-ID card is a smart card\xa0 introduced in July 2022 by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to allow residents to access state services seamlessly.
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ThuMar142024
IN: Tripura: Among 65 projects, 57 completed, 8 under progress: Dr Manik Saha on Agartala Smart City Projects
Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Tuesday said that under the Agartala Smart City Projects Limited, a total of 65 projects have been initiated, with 57 projects completed and 8 projects currently under implementation.
Dr Saha highlighted that the Smart City Mission, a program of urban renewal and rehabilitation by the Central Government, aims to make 100 cities citizen-friendly and sustainable across the country.
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ThuMar142024
CN: Digital Twins: A New Model for Urban Governance
A vivid three-dimensional rendering of a bridge appeared on the intelligent monitor and evaluation platform at Beijing Yunlu Technology Co., Ltd., pointing to key factors of bridge health. Real-time status, events, transportation navigation, and traffic conditions were all tracked on the screen.
Numerous sensors installed on bridge track every minor dynamic change on the bridge surface and perform digital analysis, according to Gao Fengyong, a regional chief with the tech firm. When a large vehicle approaches, the system checks its weight and produces an early warning if the vehicle and its load is heavier than the bridge was designed to support. The vehicle is then immediately intercepted from crossing the bridge as an emergency response. The screen of the monitor platform shows a digital twin replica of the bridge.
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ThuMar142024
Connected Urban: CU Phosco Lighting set to revolutionise Smart City Infrastructure with Innovative Smart Pole launch
In response to the increasing demand for densification of 4G networks and to support the continued rollout of 5G, Connected Urban has been designed to enhance connectivity on our streets, delivering both macro and small cells within a single compact footprint.
Designed to accommodate multi-faceted services, including antennas, CCTV, public address systems, and even smart lighting, Connected Urban, is a range of sleek, modular, and scalable smart poles which go beyond just meeting the connectivity needs of modern cities.
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ThuMar142024
NA: Otjozondjupa: Otjiwarongo Unveils Five-Year Strategic Plan for Urban Excellence, Targets Smart City Goals
Last week, Otjiwarongo Municipality unveiled a strategic plan to become a smart city, focusing on sustainable urban development and innovation.
Last week, Otjiwarongo Municipality launched an ambitious five-year strategic plan, setting a clear pathway towards transforming Otjiwarongo into a smart city of excellence. The event, graced by Minister of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni and attended by regional and local authority councillors, marks a significant commitment to sustainable urban development and improved municipal services for residents.
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WedMar132024
KR: Seoul is Best City of 2024
With its mesmerizing blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, Seoul has emerged as the Best City of 2024. This South Korean metropolis, a bustling hub of culture, commerce, and connectivity, stands out for its seamless integration of history and modernity.
The city’s dedication to innovation has positioned it as a global leader in technology. Home to giants such as Samsung and LG, Seoul has become synonymous with technological advancement. From superfast internet speeds to smart city initiatives, Seoul offers a glimpse into the future while still maintaining its historic charm.
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WedMar132024
IN: Madhya Pradesh: CITIIS 2.0 Challenge: Jabalpur selected among 18 cities from 100 smart cities across India
Jabalpur has been selected among the 18 cities, in the national-level competition "CITIIS 2.0 Challenge," organized for the country's top 100 smart cities. Only two cities from Madhya Pradesh are chosen in this challenge. On this significant success, Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh and Municipal Commissioner Preeti Yadav have congratulated the citizens, as well as the nodal officer Sambhav Ayachi and other team members for their cleanliness campaign. Singh said the " CITIIS 2.0 Challenge," organized at the national level, aimed to select 18 cities from across the country. He said all cities were required to prepare and submit their proposals on the theme of Integrated Solid Waste Management by January 15, 2024. A total of 84 cities submitted their proposals.
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Myanmar’s last royal capital, Mandalay, was recently ranked by CIO Asia as number fifth among the top 10 cities in Southeast Asia in the process of becoming “smart cities,” a ranking which is based on information from The ASEAN Post, The Economist Intelligence Unit,a the network’s own project profiles and Govlnsider.
Mandalay City Development Committee (MDCD) has drawn up a 30-year urban development plan with a vision to improve the water supply system, wastewater treatment and solid waste management using smart technology. Sensors have been installed on the streets of Mandalay to monitor and control traffic in real time and to monitor the condition of pipelines and water meters as well as a new electronic toll-payment system. The efforts show Mandalay has strong potential to achieve its goal of becoming a “smart city” along with more than 20 other contending ASEAN cities.
U Ye Myat Thu, Mandalay’s smart city officer and committee member of MCDC spoke with The Irrawaddy’s reporter Nan Lwin about recent developments, the technological transformations of Mandalay municipality and challenges that may come in the process of gaining full smart city status.
Q: Recently, Mandalay was recognized by CIO Asia as a Southeast Asian city in the process of becoming a smart city. It was ranked as the fifth most promising city on the list. Over MCDC’s two remaining years in term, how do you envision this happening?
Some people may think a smart city is like something out of a James Bond movie where you would see lots of high-tech weapons or something like that. Perhaps some may think that everything in the city will be transformed into a luxurious form using a huge amount of money. Definitely not. Actually, a smart city is one that facilitates public services using technology.
Mandalay is now using sensors which keep real time traffic light records and monitor traffic congestion through automated control centers. The sensors also track the condition of pipelines and water meters in real time to identify leaks. The city now uses a radio-frequency identification (RFID)-based system in a new electronic toll payment system.
Early this year, while Singapore took the position of chair of ASEAN, the country’s prime minister Lee Hsien Loong proposed the ASEAN Smart Cities Network initiative. All ASEAN member countries agreed to collaborate in the initiative in order to promote smart and sustainable urban development. Among more than 20 participating cities, our processes have shown strong improvements in [the process of] achieving our smart city goal. Hence we are considered to be in the process of becoming a smart city and already have some features needed to get full smart city status.
Q: What are the characteristics and framework for an ASEAN smart city?
The official Smart Cities Framework is based on partnership and funding. The framework has six main areas— Civic and Social, Health and Well-being, Safety and Security, Quality Environment, Building Infrastructure and Industry and Innovation. In each area, there are categories to improve in such as Culture and Heritage Tourism, Public and Municipal Services, Governance, Housing and Home, Healthcare, Education, Resource Security, Cybersecurity, Public Safety, City Surveillance and Crime Prevention.
Here in Myanmar, Culture and Heritage, Resource Security, Cybersecurity, City Surveillance and Crime Prevention and Trade and Commerce are under different ministries. In other countries, those sectors are under the control of a mayor.
Unlike other countries, we can’t control all sectors included in the ASEAN Smart Cities Framework. However, public and municipal services, governance (only e-government), environment quality, resource access and management, urban resilience, traffic control, buildings and construction are under the MCDC’s umbrella so we can transform those sectors using technology.
Q: What are MCDC’s main technological transformations in Mandalay?
It started with garbage collection trucks. We installed GPS and software to monitor their routes and daily duty areas. We installed an alert system so if they don’t go to a township where they are supposed to collect the garbage, we are alerted.
We are using IOT (Internet of Things) sensors on the street to keep track of vehicles. The sensors also scan vehicle numbers; we can track their route from the control room with real time control monitors to see whether they ran a red light and which direction they are heading.
We installed CCTV cameras at traffic lights. Some cameras can clearly see whether the seatbelt is fastened and also how many people are in the car. All the data is directly sent to the control room. By entering the vehicle’s plate number, we can find details on the vehicle’s routes. It can help the crime unit and investigations.
The traffic lights are automatic and adjust depending on traffic congestion. If there are no cars on the other side, the green light will turn red automatically. As in the system currently used in Singapore, vehicles from the other sides can pass through. By using technology, we also receive traffic congestion data. Therefore, we are able to learn which streets should be one-way or two-way.
A Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)-based system has been installed at the toll gates. It is an electronic payment system. We assembled laser walls at every highway toll gate which scan the size of the vehicles and calculate the payment due. Traditionally, tolls were paid by hand at the toll gate. We didn’t get detailed data. The cash that we received was always less than the actual number of vehicles. There were cases of corruption; the accounts used to be wrong.
Now most of the highway companies are satisfied with our electronic prepaid payment system because they can track their vehicles and also receive detailed data. Moreover, they don’t have to spend extra money on a machine for counting exact cash amounts.
MCDC is introducing a 3-R (reduce, reuse, recycle) recycling system to the citizens. We have installed recycling bins for different types of waste in many places. Students are learning about the recycling bins at school. We are training them on how to put the waste into the different bins (paper, cans or plastics).
Q: Can you elaborate more on the details of Mandalay’s 30-year master plan?
We only announced the new garbage system to the citizens, but we have also started using an automatic meter-reading system in some townships with which government staff can record water usage on applications on their mobile phones just by walking in front of a house. We also installed sensors to record how many gallons of water are wasted. Those projects were funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Netherlands, Japan and other countries.
Drones have recorded the details of city planning and buildings. Moreover, we are re-collecting citizen data including family member numbers and properties and the number of vehicles. The project aims to produce a new dataset. If we know the number of family members, we can trace how many tons of garbage they produce. If we know how many vehicles they own, we can calculate traffic congestion and a potential new street-planning system.
It is interesting: we just received new figures for the city’s population and housing. For example, previous data showed one million buildings while our new data shows double that figure. Based on the new data we can receive more taxes from the citizens.
Q: MCDC have been adopting new technologies and rules that ordinary citizens may not be familiar with. How does MCDC engage with citizens?
Before we change something, we collect data first because data supports reasoning for making changes. The MCDC team were well-prepared for complaints from citizens. We have concrete reasons for every change in the city. We also have elected MCDC members who are the focal people for engaging with citizens.
Q: Does MCDC face issues with changing the citizens’ old habits during the period of transitioning to a smart city?
We try to make citizens follow rules. Trust is vital. They need to trust that we are making positive changes for them. If citizens don’t follow the rules, all the money we spend will be wasted. I think citizens have changed a lot. It’s like the broken window theory: a building with a few broken windows is more susceptible to vandals breaking the others. A clean space with no trash discourages people from littering.
I believe citizens can control their own community to follow the rules. In some townships people organized small trucks to collect garbage. We just need to provide the bins and gather all the garbage at the same place. They also installed CCTV to see who is continuing to put rubbish in the wrong place because some people are used to throwing near the bins. There are penalties for who those don’t put rubbish into the bins directly.
Q: I heard that smart city concept came from a city mayor who was very passionate about urban planning even before he became a mayor. What is the role of Mandalay’s mayor during this transformation?
All the decisions for the city were based on Mandalay’s mayor’s vision. The mayor was brave as he dared to make decisions to buy the latest technology. If he is not brave, I would have to work with China-made machines and the result would be stumbling.
Whenever we have to use part of the budget for technology or software or machines for the smart city, we have challenges with the audit teams, but the mayor always explains to them that long-lasting products are more expensive. If he didn’t understand those kinds of things, we would never get the best technologies or machines for the city.
Q: MCDC have introduced new technologies in many sectors within a short time. How was the budget managed?
Some high-tech software was donated by foreign companies. Mostly, we got discounts because the companies want to show Mandalay as an example. If the project results are good here, the company will be able to advertise their products to the rest of the country.
MCDC didn’t receive budget for this project from the Union government. After we collected building and population data, we received more taxes from the citizens. Moreover, the RFID systems at the toll gates are providing a huge income for MCDC. After we use technology in the public service sectors, including in toll gates, water meters and others, our income significantly increased.
In the past, people used to build or renovate buildings without MCDC’s permission. Now we use drones to get actual figures and photos of buildings. Citizens understand if they build without permission we will immediately trace it from our data center. As a result, the income from the building permits has also increased.
Q: What are the biggest challenges?
Every change faces resistance. Sometimes the resistance exists even within our employees. When we installed the GPS systems on garbage trucks, some employees put water in them so we couldn’t trace their routes. We had to warn them that if they do it again, we will take serious action.
There are challenges dealing with some ministries. For example, at the riverfront area, a ministry has given permission to private sand companies [to take sand] so the area is so messy. However, we can’t manage that kind of thing because it is not under our control.
Public transportation is not under MCDC’s control. Even though drivers are breaking the rules and regulations, we can’t take action against them. They aren’t afraid of us at all. Sometimes I joke with my ethnic friends that we also want federalism in Mandalay as well.
Q: What are the future plans of MCDC?
We are planning to do standard mapping in order to easily find any location in Mandalay. We will draw up street direction signs using systems of international standards, particularly the United States’ standardized system. We have been working on a payment gateway system so citizens don’t need to come to the office to make payments on property taxes, construction permits and other municipal taxes.
In the future, they will be able to make payments using QR codes at the nearest bank. Technologically it is almost ready but we still need to negotiate with private banks. MCDC is looking to buy standard facial recognition technology which could help police in investigate crime cases.
A wastewater treatment plant is now under construction and we plan to clean all waste water in the near future. MCDC is also working with Japan to draw up a drainage master plan to solve flooding on the roads and other issues. We will bring in new technology for drainage systems in the future.
I can’t predict when or if Mandalay will achieve full smart city status but we will leave all these achievements made during our administration as a foundation.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Nan Lwin
Quelle/Source: The Irrawaddy News Magazine, 23.11.2018