Startups, Sustainability and Unprecedented European Innovation
Local governments and sustainability professionals in Europe face interconnected environmental, social and economic issues, alongside the growing threat of climate disasters. These challenges require cities to look beyond standalone initiatives and develop innovative, holistic solutions that transcend traditional silos of municipal...
Jane Jacobs hypothetical interview on the 15-minute city.
If Jane Jacobs was alive today and actively engaging with the smart city community, her sharp critique of urban planning trends would likely provide a fresh and insightful perspective on today’s transportation challenges and opportunities. Here’s how she might address some of the major issues in a hypothetical interview: Car...
Smart Moves: Montpellier’s Strategy for Sustainable Urban Transport
Montpellier, one of France’s fastest-growing cities and host of one of Europe’s largest pedestrian areas, is setting the standard for urban mobility solutions. In response to rising public transit demand and the urgent need to reduce emissions and traffic congestion, Montpellier launched ambitious initiatives in the field of...
Why smart cities need pre-disaster recovery plans
In 2023, the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in more than a century devastated Lahaina, a small town on the island of Maui in Hawaii. It started when a grass fire was ignited after high winds snapped a power line. Although the initial fire was reported as “contained” by firefighters, the flames soon re-emerged. Within …...
After the Storm: A Winding Road to Disaster Recovery
Considering the frequency of disasters and the scale of human suffering and economic loss, the urgency of effective disaster recovery becomes apparent. The world witnessed, on average, a disaster a day in 2023, causing more than 86,000 fatalities and $203 billion in damages while disrupting the lives of 93 million people, according to...
Rethinking Urban Logistics in the On-Demand Economy
Rethinking urban logistics is a core part of any smart city strategy. Wander through a European city on a warm evening, and you’ll likely encounter some pedestrian-friendly streets perfect for leisurely strolls. However, return the next morning, and the scene is transformed. The less walkable streets are crowded with delivery vans...
Beyond the Metropolis: Recognizing the Value of a Smart Rural Europe
The development of Smart European Cities needs to happen in parallel to a Smart Rural Europe agenda. An estimated 70% of Europe’s land area is used for agriculture or covered by forestry. “The vital role of agricultural and rural development deeply affects the economic, social and environmental aspects of every EU member state.”...
Small Communities, Big Ideas: The Evolution of Three Smart Villages
Megacities like Paris, London and New York capture smart city headlines in recent years, mainly because they are centers of economic, technological and innovative power. While small communities and smart villages in peripheral areas receive less attention, they offer value through innovation in biodiversity, climate resilience,...
Beyond Innovation Districts: Why Peripheral Communities Matter
How and where can cities accelerate innovation as an economic development strategy? In recent decades, many urban leaders attempted to answer this question through investments in innovation districts. “More than 80 innovation districts have been identified in cities across the globe,” according to Carla M. Kayanan, a researcher at...
3GPP: Smart Cities Should Engage With Mobile Standards Developers, by Jon Glasco
A challenge for smart cities is to identify the impact of new standards and technologies and determine how 5G standards development creates (or constrains) opportunities for urban innovation.
