Well, have you ever wondered what makes a city smart? Or what is so smart that is happening in these cities? Or why are these cities more ahead of the one that you live in? In definition: a smart city uses digital technologies or information and communication technologies to enhance quality and performance of urban services, to reduce costs and resource consumption, and to engage more effectively and actively with its citizens.
In relation with economy or jobs, the phrase “Smart City” is used to describe a city with a “smart” industry. That implies especially industries in the fields of information and communication technologies (ICT) as well as other industries involving ICT in their overall processes.
The use of technology such as artificial intelligence within a city helps create a better way to engage with the people. It also helps in building a larger community and facilitates e-Governance due to active community participation. Some of the key highlights of a smart city are:
• Robust information technology services for connectivity and digitization of services.
• Improved safety and security of the people due to enhanced surveillance.
• Larger community growth due to the participation of citizen using technology.
• Effective urban mobility and ease of access to public transportation.
• Increased healthcare and civil awareness
Pillars of a Smart City:
Primarily, the 3 most important pillars of a smart city are: its Institutional Infrastructure (including Governance), Physical Infrastructure and Social Infrastructure and the focal of attention for each of these pillars is the citizen. Therefore, a Smart City works towards ensuring the best for all its people, regardless of social status, age, income levels, gender, etc.
How do you identify a Smart City?
Smart Technology: Includes more efficient use of physical infrastructure through artificial intelligence and data analytics to support a strong and healthy economic, social, cultural development.
Smart Economy: Encourages entrepreneurship and productivity, economic progression, a flexibility in the labor market, and an overall culture diversity and innovation.
Smart Governance: Meaning the involvement of the public in decision-making, public and social service, and government transparency.
Smart People: A mind-set and culture of life-long learning, social and ethnic diversity, flexibility, creativity, and community participation.
Smart Living: Proper educational facilities, quality health conditions and public safety, accessibility to quality housing and social integration.
Smart Environment: This includes using natural conditions, sustainable resource management, reduction in pollution, and an increased awareness of environmental protection.
The top 10 Smart Cities of the world:
These cities have been categorized on the bases of various factors related to Innovations, Sustainability, Use of Information Technology, Digital Governance, Quality of Life, Efficient use of Resources and Energy Savings.
– Vienna
– Toronto
– Paris
– New York
– London
– Tokyo
– Berlin
– Copenhagen
– Hong Kong
– Barcelona
In the past few years, major technological, economic and environmental changes have generated interest in smart cities, including climate change, economic restructuring, online retail and entertainment, and pressures on public finances. This has made governments and economies work towards a better approach on being more “smart” with its use of technology and policies. Therefore, in the coming years, we would be seeing more cities getting “Smart City” certified.
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