Using data-driven models to evaluate and prioritize projects, cities can implement cost-benefit analysis [5,14,15,41] and environmental impact assessments to improve project viability.
Smart city initiatives can contribute to increased efficiency, greater sustainability, enhanced public safety and improved quality of life. Here are some examples: the Big Apple has implemented a system that reduces traffic and energy consumption by analyzing commuting patterns; greener waste management; and online payment systems for utilities like water and electricity.
1. Infrastructure
Smart city projects enable sustainable urban development by leveraging advanced technology to boost economic growth, enhance the quality of life and minimize environmental footprints. They also prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that all residents can benefit from their technology and infrastructure.
Examples of these technologies include networked LED streetlights that automatically dim and EV charging stations that increase public mobility, while smart water meters reduce electricity costs and ongoing maintenance. Sensors monitor air quality and noise levels, allowing city officials to make data-driven decisions about improving the environment.
Lastly, smart waste containers can notify the trash collection company when they’re full, preventing them from overflowing and reducing waste. This kind of connectivity makes cities more efficient and enables them to adapt and evolve in response to changing conditions.
2. Energy
The smart city concept involves a wide range of technologies, software solutions and innovative urban planning strategies. But what is the energy that drives these intelligent cities?
Using RStudio, we analysed the smart city research landscape to identify the main areas of interest. These can be broadly grouped into five subareas (Figure 9).
A key area is the integration of ICT to support smart urban systems, with key topics including 5G, smart grids and smart buildings. Another key area is the use of renewable energy, with smart solar, wind and waste-to-energy systems being developed in many cities. These are helping to reduce the ecological footprint of urban communities and help meet global climate goals.
3. Transportation
Sitting in traffic, waiting for a bus to come or driving around to find a parking spot are all common experiences that most people face. Getting to your destination faster and with less stress is one of the key goals behind smart city initiatives.
Using technologies like sensors and connectivity, intelligent systems monitor and manage transportation. They can reroute buses to reduce delays and alert maintenance teams when equipment is failing.
In addition, connected vehicles can communicate with each other and share information about road, weather and traffic conditions. This includes Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) communications, as well as Vehicle to Pedestrian communication protocols.
4. Health
With increasing urban populations and growing demand for digital healthcare, smart cities are becoming data-driven environments that prioritize access to health services, improved patient outcomes and efficiency in healthcare delivery. However, the definition of what defines a ‘smart city for healthcare’ remains unclear.
To address this issue, we conducted a comprehensive literature search and examined articles related to smart city applications that support healthcare services. After excluding duplicates and article without abstract during title and abstract screening, we identified 44 articles. The studies reported on a variety of applications including population surveillance, active ageing, healthcare for disabled people, response to emergencies, and care services organization.
5. Education
Whether a city qualifies as smart depends on how it uses technology. For example, it might use networked sensors to track air pollution or collaborate with other organisations to support local initiatives to reduce waste. These technologies are helping cities become more efficient and sustainable, but it is important to ensure they can be accessed by all residents.
Currently, many of the world’s smartest cities are new developments like Songdo in South Korea or Masdar City in the UAE. These large-scale top down projects are often not relevant or applicable to existing UK cities and could cost far more than they need to.
6. Environment
Smart city technology can help improve the environment in many ways. For example, intelligent traffic systems (ITS) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing traffic flows and eliminating congestion. Additionally, smart buildings can lower energy consumption by incorporating energy-saving technology.
Another way to improve the environment is through increasing renewable energy production. Smart cities can encourage the use of renewables by implementing charging stations for electric cars and promoting energy efficiency in buildings.
However, smart cities must be careful not to prioritize technology over sustainability. Residents should hold city leaders accountable for ensuring that projects are transparent and aimed at improving society as a whole.