Smart City Future Trends
Smart cities as a response to urbanization and the need for sustainable development. The role of smart technology and innovation in transforming cities into smarter, more efficient, and livable spaces is ever more critical in the future. Angelidou et al. (2022) identifies several key trends in smart city development. These include the integration of various data sources and the use of big data analytics to improve decision-making processes and service delivery. The paper also highlights the growing emphasis on citizen-centric approaches, which involve actively involving citizens in the co-creation of urban solutions and promoting citizen engagement.
In the realm of transportation, the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, shared mobility services, and autonomous vehicles as major trends. It discusses the potential benefits of these innovations, such as reduced emissions, improved accessibility, and enhanced efficiency in transportation systems. In the smart energy sector, the growing importance of renewable energy sources and the transition toward decentralized energy systems. Smart Energy is predicted to be more collaborative, where local residents and businesses actively participate in energy production, consumption, and management.
Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges associated with the implementation of these emerging trends. It addresses concerns related to data privacy and security, infrastructure requirements, policy and regulatory frameworks, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration among various stakeholders.
Strategic planning and policy development is essential to harness the potential of emerging smart city, transportation, and energy trends. To be successful, smart cities should adopt a holistic approach, considering the interdependencies and synergies among these sectors. By doing so, cities can enhance their sustainability, improve quality of life for citizens, and contribute to the overall goal of creating smarter and more resilient urban environments.
Reference:
Angelidou, M., Politis, C., Panori, A., Barkratsas, T., & Fellnhofer, K. (2022). Emerging smart city, transport and energy trends in urban settings: Results of a pan-European foresight exercise with 120 experts. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 183, 121915.
