As technology progresses, so does the world around us. Cities play a big part in that world, as they are home to millions of people and businesses. Using this technology we can make the quality of life, as well as the economy, better in these cities.
According to the European commission, “Smart Cities are cities that make use of digital solutions and technology to improve traditional urban networks and services for the benefit of the cities inhabitants”.
Examples of Smart Cities include London, which was ranked as one of the top Smart Cities in the world, Tokyo, and New York.
The goal of Smart Cities is to make the cities more accessible and liveable for the people within it. This can include better energy efficiency, smarter transport networks and upgraded water and waste facilities.
So, what actually makes a Smart City? There are six indicators for smart cities, these 6 indicators show whether a city is on its way to becoming a smart city or not.
These indicators are:
- Smart Government – The use of technology and digital solutions for enabling and supporting enhanced decision making and planning.
- Smart Economy – Utilising information, digital and communication technology to create an environment where businesses, investors and SMEs can come to the city and thrive and grow, which in turn leads to the creation of new jobs and an increase in economic activity.
- Smart Environment – Using technology to manage both its artificial and natural environment, to ensure sustainable living for its inhabitants e.g., waste management, pollution control, water consumption control, emission control, reduction in consumed energy, and renewable energy use.
- Smart Living – Using technology and digital solutions to provide a better QoL for the inhabitants of a city. This ranges from improved healthcare to security and surveillance and increased social and digital connectivity.
- Smart People – bringing smarter means of interaction between citizens and creating more intelligent and futuristic education geared towards providing more career paths for all people, regardless of age, gender, or social class.
- Smart Mobility – transportation within a city and making it a faster, cheaper, environmentally-friendly, and more convenient means of mobility for the cities’ populace with the use of technology.
If a city meets all of this criteria, then it is utilising technology to become the best it can be for its people.
At Fundamentals First, we are excited to have the opportunity to be a part of what is happening in this fascinating and worthwhile subject.
