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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Surge in Innovation and Growth Through 2030

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

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

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

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

Q:Talk us through your background.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Smart cities in the Middle East are becoming a model to the rest of the world thanks to the adoption of a range of green technologies
• Taking place from 1-3 October, the sixth edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia will take place at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC)

: The Middle East will be home to some of the most advanced smart cities in the next ten years, thanks to the leadership of countries in the region for their vision and focus on creating smart green cities, according to industry experts.

Governor Uba is repositioning the state for better security, efficiency and investments

Without being immodest, one can state that Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, is driven by three identifiable things – vision, passion and action — to birth a new Kaduna State. A new state where the good people live in peace, in unity, in prosperity, and shared values for a better, more dignifying, and comfortable life. And this, he has done without airs since his assumption of office in sharp contrast to what previously obtained in the state.

The autonomous bus initiative is one of the 40 use cases for 5G technology that Malaysia will showcase as it prepares to assume the role of Asean chair next year, says Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

He said the initiative is a collaboration between Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), the nation's 5G network provider, technology giant Ericsson, and local autonomous vehicle solutions developer eMooVit Technology Sdn Bhd.

One of the big ideas of the 21st century, “smart cities” promised a new world of connected, data-driven and sustainable urbanism. Pervasive digital infrastructures would monitor flows from sewage to traffic to criminal activities, providing information in real time and anticipating and preventing risks.

However, in practice, smart cities have been disappointing. Schemes like Alphabet’s failed “city built from the Internet, up” was criticized for being opportunistic data grabs. And many other smart city projects have been fragmented and unimpressive

Safer cities. Less pollution. Better quality of life.

Since upcoming elections are front of mind, you might think I’m offering snippets of campaign promises. Actually, I’m talking about a nonpolitical type of movement designed to make everyone a winner.

We at the Arizona Technology Council are getting ready to host our 8th annual Smart City + IoT Conference, which will be held in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority from 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at ASU SkySong Innovation Center in Scottsdale.

A series of government opinion polls aimed at improving services provided by ministries and agencies has resulted in a set of recommendations designed to enhance the quality of client-facing services. The proposals focus on advancing the mechanization of services such as electronic payments, streamlining procedures, improving the handling of complaints, developing electronic services, and reducing the documentation cycle for processing client transactions.

Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, made a working visit to Arkadag City, where he held a meeting with relevant officials and reviewed infrastructure projects.

During the meeting, the Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City extended congratulations to the National Leader of the Turkmen people on behalf of the city's population for receiving three awards at the World Smart City Expo in the Republic of Korea.

Mauritius continues to demonstrate its commitment to modernizing its digital infrastructure, with the launch of the Mobile ID system supported by Thales and aimed at enhancing access to government services. The initiative, unveiled by the minister of information technology, communication and innovation, Darsanand Balgobin, is part of the broader effort to transform the country’s digital ecosystem.

Speaking at the official announcement, Minister Balgobin highlights that with the implementation of the Mobile ID in the MWA digital wallet app, Mauritius will become the first African country to bring in a digital ID wallet based on ISO standards. Mauritians will have the ability to use the digital identity card for certain administrative procedures. The app is available for both Android and Apple devices.

Digital wireless connectivity is coming to a small town in Texas under a new smart city and 5G project from NTT Data.

The city of Brownsville, Texas, is currently experiencing a growth spurt after Space X Starbase complex, the Texas LNG facility and deep-water Port of Brownsville are causing a lot of attention for the region. However, digital capabilities and secure wireless connectivity is not something the city installed.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State is on the delegation of President Bola Tinubu to the on-going 2024 Forum on China and Africa Cooperation ending today. In this interview with Deji Elumoye in the Chinese capital, Beijing, Sani speaks about the agreement signed on Monday between the State government and a Chinese firm, Huawei, for the development of a smart city in Kaduna and its impact on good governance. Excerpts:

Could the city known for golf, three-for-$10 T-shirts and sunburned tourists crowding Ocean Boulevard be the next Silicon Valley for government-focused tech firms?

Some city officials don't see that possibility as far-fetched. Myrtle Beach City Council discussed the path to becoming a tech hub this week. A Sept. 3 workshop focused on four companies joining the yet-to-be-built Living Lab in the city’s Arts and Innovation District, a section of downtown designated for redevelopment as a cultural and tech center. The city's latest goal is to attract companies that build technology for government services.

Indonesia’s new capital city Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), which is about 15 per cent completed, has released a smartphone application that will ultimately allow residents to access public services with a tap and a swipe.

Features are still being added to the IKNOW app, which was released in February. But users can already use it for basic needs such as contacting emergency services and navigating within the planned 250,000ha city in the forest.

Over the past few years, the citizens of the UK have seen a significant stride toward developing a data-driven Smart state. The government & various private firms have been preparing to harness the power of data. Every nation is well aware that data is the new oil. Therefore, private firms and public sector organizations want to leverage data to make smarter cities from a theoretical discourse to a reality.

Over the past decades, the UK government has started multiple initiatives like open data initiation, digital government services, smart industrialization with urban innovation, data governance, citizen data privacy, etc. For developing data-driven smart cities an achievable reality sooner or later, the nation should integrate data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and smart technologies.

More than 8,000 multi-sectoral projects are being developed under the ambitious 100 Smart City projects, amounting to approximately Rs 1.6 lakh crore, the government said in an official update.

The ambitious Smart City Mission was launched on June 25, 2015, aiming at providing core infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment, and a decent quality of life to their citizens.

In the age of technology and urban development, smart cities are at the forefront of innovation. One key component of these initiatives is the use of outdoor LCD displays to enhance communication, engagement, and information dissemination. These digital screens have become integral in transforming public spaces into interactive and dynamic environments. In this blog, we will explore the pivotal role that outdoor LCD displays play in shaping the future of smart cities and the numerous benefits they bring to urban communities.

Smart cities represent the future of urban living, integrating advanced technologies to improve the quality of life for residents. With urban populations growing rapidly, cities face significant challenges in maintaining sustainability, safety, and efficiency. Technology solutions offer the potential to address these challenges, making urban environments more livable and resilient.

A new "smart city" project is set to be developed in Nkenyane, Ward 14, approximately 20km north of Bulawayo in Bubi, Matabeleland North Province. This initiative aims to modernize the rural district through improved infrastructure and increased investment appeal.

The proposal, which is awaiting Cabinet approval, has received support from three major corporations interested in building modern housing and a shopping mall. The project is expected to alleviate housing shortages in Bulawayo by attracting home-seekers to Bubi due to its proximity to the city.

As Gauteng cities undergo a significant transformation, the Gauteng Provincial Government is looking to the future with a forward-thinking approach that incorporates smart technology and sustainable development into the revitalisation project.

Building 24-Hour Vibrant Cities

One of the standout features of the revitalisation is the creation of 24-hour vibrant cities. With increased access to Wi-Fi and other smart technologies, Gauteng is set to become a uniform hub of activity around the clock. The introduction of smart solutions, including an integrated transport system and community-based safety programmes, will make the city more accessible and safer for everyone.

In an era where technology is rapidly evolving, cities and communities are embracing smart solutions to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is at the forefront of this transformation, fostering the development and deployment of smart city technologies. Through initiatives like the Global Community Technology Challenge (GCTC), NIST is helping cities worldwide to adopt advanced technologies, improve infrastructure, and create more connected, resilient communities.

A city-wide infrastructure to enable E-ID and fully digitized civil registration and vital statistics services is set to be unveiled by the Addis Ababa Civil Registration & Resident Services Agency (CRRSA) in the coming weeks. As part of an impetus to transform the capital into a smart city, the Agency will look for software partners to onboard onto its comprehensive digitization efforts.

A mobile application dubbed ‘Digital Kebele’ will grant residents access to CRRSA’s services while also enabling a digital ID that has a unique identifier verifiable by authorities.

Islamabad is prepping for a major technological overhaul as it sets out to become a ‘Model Digital City.’ The basic purpose of this initiative is to integrate advanced technology into daily life, promising a more convenient and efficient urban experience for residents.

As per the latest reports, the upcoming transformation will introduce 150 app-based services designed to facilitate different aspects of daily living. These services will offer improved accessibility and ease, catering to different needs from transportation to administrative tasks.

Monica Duhem, Director of the Global Advisory Center at the Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs (G3ict), explains how she has been working to make accessibility by design a priority for cities, and how model policies have helped make an impact.

Q: Can you provide some background information on how you came to be involved in the accessible technology space?

My journey into the accessible technology space began during my time working with the Mexican government, specifically within the Ministry of Telecommunication. I was responsible for handling international relations and issues, and it was in this capacity that I became the first rapporteur at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) under a question dedicated to the development of inclusive technology for persons with disabilities. This was around 2010 when the ITU, a UN organisation, first began examining how ICT could become more inclusive of and benefit persons with disabilities.

The pandemic has rendered most pre-existing smart city concepts obsolete, leaving cities and regions scrambling to adapt to the profound changes of the last few years. Initially, the goal was to lure people back to work and live downtown—a vision that the pandemic has dramatically altered.

Many conferences still promote outdated ideas like Smart Cities 2.0, rehashing concepts that no longer align with the rapidly shifting realities of today’s market. City leaders must recognize these differences to avoid pursuing outmoded priorities and ineffective solutions that fail to add value.

Muscat residents identified unemployment, affordable housing and public transport as the top priority areas needing attention

Muscat is ranked 88th out of 142 cities in the 2024 Smart City Index (SCI), reflecting a significant improvement from its 96th position last year. The index, developed by International Institute for Management Development, assesses residents’ perceptions of the infrastructure and technology applications in their cities.

In the 2024 Smart City Index (SCI), cities across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have shown notable progress in integrating technology and infrastructure. Abu Dhabi and Dubai lead the region, ranked 10th and 12th globally, respectively. This year's index, developed by the International Institute for Management Development, evaluates how residents perceive their city’s infrastructure and the effectiveness of technology in everyday life.

The city government of Borongan in Eastern Samar will launch by September a digital platform designed to enhance the delivery of healthcare services.

Identified as one of the initiatives under the Smart and Sustainable Cities Program, the local government will come up with a "comprehensive patient database, seamlessly connecting medical needs" with city social services, the "Libreng Medisina" (free medicine) program, and the soon-to-open city infirmary's laboratory and x-ray services.

Imagine a city brimming with the latest gadgets and innovations. Yet, amidst the technological utopia, a lag in emergency response times and surveillance systems are prone to malfunction would leave crime to fester.

In such a city, the allure of smart tech fades into insignificance when basic safety needs are not met. As NEC Malaysia’s General Manager and Head of Business Units, CP Chan, puts it, "Would you invest in or live in a place where you feel constantly at risk?"

Nearly seven years after the introduction of the smart cities mission by the Union govt, four smart cities – Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, and Amaravati – selected from Andhra Pradesh under this mission have executed various innovative projects.

With over 85% completion, projects worth ₹5,657 crore have been completed out of a planned ₹6,620 crore.

The City of Myrtle Beach says it is formally launching its initiative toward becoming a “smart city” with help from companies moving to the city.

The city announced Monday the first participants of its “Living Lab,” which it describes as “an innovative public-private partnership designed to support the development of emerging technology and encourage entrepreneurs to use Myrtle Beach as their hub.”

Chief Innovative Officer for the city, Howard Waldie IV said Myrtle Beach is the perfect spot.

Generative AI is shaping up to be the technology that finally makes smart cities truly viable.

Since we realised we could put small, cheap sensors into pretty much any device, the possibility of the smart city has seemed tantalisingly within reach. If we know everything about a city, we can run it better, surely? The challenge, though, has been turning that vast tide of data into a wave of insight we can surf.

In recent years, Hong Kong has made significant strides in its smart city initiative, with the government and private sector collaborating to implement a range of digital solutions across transportation, healthcare, public services, and more. However, the full potential of these smart city applications has often been limited by the constraints of traditional wireless connectivity solutions.

Hong Kong continues to take significant steps forward in leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation and efficiency. Most recently is the adoption of private 5G (P5G) networks enabling a new wave of smart city applications and use cases.

Saudi Arabia was represented five times in the 2024 edition of the International Institute for Management Development Smart City Index

The evolution of smart cities in Saudi Arabia could change the residential landscape of the Kingdom, as high-net-worth individuals discover these communities are perfect destinations for setting up homes, according to experts.

Smart cities integrate artificial intelligence alongside information and communications technology to derive actionable insight from infrastructure, systems and processes to enhance the quality of life and safety for citizens.

A smart city is an urban area that integrates digital technologies and data-driven systems to improve the efficiency of services, enhance residents' quality of life, and promote sustainability.

These cities utilise advanced technologies to manage resources more effectively, streamline infrastructure, and address urban challenges such as traffic congestion, waste management, and public safety. While this concept is not a primary focus in Zimbabwe now, it is important to consider future possibilities as the country aims to develop smart cities as part of its Vision 2030.

Principal Secretary of Urban Development and Housing Department, Sunil Kumar, has said that the infrastructure has been developed in Ranchi Smart City, now there is a need to invite some big players here, which will give more impetus to development. He has also directed to issue new guidelines regarding the development of core capital being developed in the GRDA area.

A review meeting of the Urban Development and Housing Department of the State Government was held here on Thursday, in which Kumar reviewed many important state and central sponsored schemes and also gave necessary instructions. In this meeting, senior officials of the Urban Development and Housing Department also gave updated information to the Principal Secretary on urban investment, civic amenities, transport aid, water supply, establishment aid, schemes running under the 15th Finance Commission and their updates.

The setting up of critical infrastructure in Kenya's Konza Technopolis, a smart city, has gathered steam to facilitate a digital and green economic transition that promises jobs and renewal, officials said.

The smart city, located about 70 km southeast of Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, will be completed soon, with investments from the public sector, industry, and bilateral donors, Konza Technopolis CEO John Paul Okwiri said Wednesday.

Smart Cities are the future of urban development, incorporating computational advancements and renewable energy sources. Bharat Exhibitions organized the 2ND Safe City and Intelligent Mobility India 2024 on 22nd of August, 2024 at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi. The benchmark summit and exhibition on urban development, is a hub where executives, city representatives and academics from around the world meet to accelerate a better future for our cities. The summit showcased the integration of transformative technologies with the key pillars of urban development, i.e., Green Buildings, Rooftop Solar, Renewable & Clean energy, Clean Environment, Clean Water, Water Conservation, Urban Mobility, and the use of Smart ICT solutions for optimizing resources that make cities smart and sustainable.

According to the United Nations, around 55 per cent of the world’s population presently live in cities. By 2050, that proportion will increase to two-thirds. According to predictions, from 10 “megacities” (with populations of more than 10 million residents) in 1990, there will be around 43 by 2030.

It is perhaps a misnomer that “smart” cities are purely smart because they are more sophisticated in their use of new technology to automate functions and services. Smart cities are well-planned, combining medium and high-density dwellings with reliable resources from water, energy and internet speed through to green spaces, transport and community facilities.

Property development players have signed a deal to help make North Hanoi Smart City the first carbon-neutral urban area in Vietnam.

At the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders Meeting held in Indonesia across August 20-21, four entities handed over an MoU on decarbonisation through energy management, aiming to make North Hanoi Smart City the first carbon-neutral urban area in Vietnam.

With Hong Kong’s First Localized Wireless Broadband System (Private) License, the newly launched docomo 5G DX Square provides innovators a stable and scalable wireless backbone for future smart city POCs.

NTT Com Asia (NTT) is giving smart city development in Hong Kong a significant boost by establishing a technology and innovation ecosystem with the launch of docomo 5G DX Square, an innovation lab designed from the ground up to enable local innovators co-develop new AI, Edge and Private 5G (P5G) applications within Hong Kong’s first-of-its-kind P5G environment. NTT is the first service provider to receive the Localized Wireless Broadband System (Private) License from Hong Kong’s Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA).

"Addis Ababa Launches Bold Plan for Sustainable Urban Growth!"

Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie announced a new city development strategy to enhance urban planning and resource mobilization for future growth.

Addis Ababa City has launched a new City Development Strategy (CDS) on August 20, 2024. This initiative aims to reshape urban development in the city. Mayor Adanech Abiebie announced the strategy, emphasizing its importance for long-term growth.

Around 36 private service providers authorised by the corporation for waste collection

In an effort to curb illegal waste collection and transportation, Thiruvananthapuram corporation has decided to implement a GPS and QR code system for all waste transportation vehicles.

The decision to feature QR codes on the entire fleet of such vehicles is aimed at addressing the challenges faced by enforcement squads and to ensure real-time tracking of vehicles from the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). There are around 36 private service providers authorised by the corporation for waste collection.

The southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau is pioneering digital transformation in public administration and social services, aiming to streamline bureaucracy and enhance citizen services while modernising governance and significantly boosting the region's investment appeal.

In line with government's Resolution No.02/NQ-CP on administrative procedure reform issued in January this year, Ba Ria-Vung Tau has identified digital transformation and smart-city development as top priorities. These tasks aim to enhance public governance and digital government capabilities and improve the locality's competitiveness and investment appeal.

Morning walkers at Race Course had a pleasant surprise on Sunday – a policewoman patrolling the area on an electric bike. The cop was cordial and interacted with them.

A police officer said the e-bike patrolling was launched in the city for the first time on Saturday night, when a policeman went around the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital premises, where a person attempted to molest a house surgeon a few days ago.

Smart city technologies in the country ranks Qatar as a leading market for IoT solutions in the region, stated analysts at Statista.

Qatar is advancing towards harnessing growth in the IoT sector by implementing various diversified enhancements. Industry leaders note that the country has become a hub for the market, with numerous innovations, exceptional infrastructures, and monitoring of digital performance.

In an era marked by rapid urbanization and technological advancement, the concept of smart cities has captured the imagination of urban planners, technologists, and policymakers worldwide for over a decade. As cities grapple with the challenges of accommodating growing populations, managing resources efficiently, and improving quality of life, a new paradigm is emerging that promises to revolutionize urban living: the cognitive city. At the heart of this transformation lies the game-changing potential of generative AI, poised to unlock the true potential of smart cities and usher in a new age of urban intelligence.

The foundation of smart cities has long been the Internet of Things (IoT), a vast network of sensors and connected devices that gather data on everything from traffic patterns to energy consumption. This underlying technology remains crucial, as without proper access to sensors in the city, no AI system can make meaningful decisions or provide valuable advice. However, the true power of smart cities lies not just in data collection, but in how that data is interpreted and utilized to improve urban life.

The Selangor State Development Corp (PKNS) will jointly develop the e.Sentral smart city project with property developer HCK Capital Group Bhd (HCK) as part of a move towards building low-carbon cities.

PKNS deputy chief executive officer (development) Md Kamarzan Md Rais said the “mixed-used development” in Subang Perdana will be developed on ​​4.05 ha with environmental, social and governance or ESG elements.

The Indonesian government claims that the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) will become a world-class smart city with an intelligent transportation system.

"One of the public service domains that will be presented in IKN is smart transportation and mobility which will transform the way people get around," said the Deputy for Green and Digital Transformation of the IKN Authority, Mohammed Ali Berawi, on April 26.

The launch of the Smart Transit Card (STC) and the travel-aid app Tummoc on Wednesday will transport Panaji’s e-bus commuters to the world of paperless ticketing, allowing them to tap in and out to board or alight.

The technology will be available from Thursday. It has been introduced by Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) and Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd (KTCL) as part of the Smart City initiative.

Used sub-optimally, the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) that was built for Rs 35.96 crore under the Smart City mission to help the municipal corporation detect encroachment and other violations using its CCTV network of 1,401 cameras leads to hardly any ground action. At a recent meeting in Delhi about Smart City projects, the Ludhiana officials were told to increase their ICCC utilisation.

This centre’s performance report that the MC’s had filed with the deputy commissioner’s office recently was confined to police operations mostly, while this system can do much more than improving urban safety, security, and surveillance. The control room can catch camera tampering, unattended objects, illegal parking, encroachment, red-light jumpers, dysfunctional streetlights, and theft of rooftop solar panels. The system can also track getaway vehicles, waste trucks, MC cars, local buses, and fire tenders.

The study evaluates the impact of smart city developments in South Korea, revealing that while these initiatives enhance economic growth and environmental sustainability, they also pose challenges related to social equity, transparency, and privacy. The findings underscore the need for a balanced approach that integrates both technological advancements and inclusive, citizen-centered policies.

A study conducted by Yirang Lim from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at TU Delft, Jurian Edelenbos from the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences at Erasmus University, Rotterdam, and Alberto Gianoli from IHS, Erasmus University, Rotterdam provides a comprehensive analysis of the effects of smart city initiatives on urban sustainability by developing the Smart City Impact Index, an empirical tool used to assess the outcomes of smart city projects in South Korea.

The project is funded by the Glasgow City Region City Deal that is investing more than £1bn in transport improvements and infrastructure in the city region. Glasgow City Council is partnering with transport technology scale-up VivaCity to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve traffic flow and road safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The project is being funded by the Glasgow City Region City Deal, which is an initiative to invest over £1bn in transport improvements and infrastructure in the Glasgow City Region.