What is a smart city and how can it change urban life – Instituto Humanitas Unisinos

Cities are undergoing rapid transformation around the world, driven by technological innovation and the search for more efficient and sustainable solutions. Among the terms increasingly found in urban vocabulary is the concept of “smart cityor “smart city.” But after all, what really defines a smart city And what are its characteristics?

Article by Henrique Cortez, posted by EcoDebateMay 24, 2023

One smart city It is much more than a city with an advanced technological infrastructure. It is an integrated urban ecosystem Information and communication technology (Information and communication technology) and physical devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT)The Internet of things) to improve the efficiency of city operations and services, while striving to communicate more effectively with citizens.

One of the main characteristics of smart city It collects specific data through various electronic methods and sensors spread throughout the city. This data is used to manage assets, resources and services more efficiently, resulting in an overall improvement in urban operations. From managing traffic to energy use, the data collected enables cities to make more informed decisions and implement more efficient solutions.

In addition, the smart city seeks to use technology to enhance interaction between municipal officials, citizens, and urban infrastructure. This includes the possibility of real-time monitoring of what is happening in the city and how it is developing, allowing for a faster and more effective response to urban challenges. to Information and communication technology They are also used to improve the quality of urban services, reduce costs, increase interaction with government and promote civic engagement.

However, the term “smart city” is still broad and open to different interpretations. The degree of smartness of a city varies according to several characteristics, such as: technology-based infrastructure, environmental initiatives, efficient and high-performance public transportation, confident and progressive urban plans, and the ability of people to live and work within the city. using its resources.

according to City traffic indexa classification compiled by the IESE Business School of SpainThere are 10 criteria that define a smart city:

• 1) Human capital: Refers to the ability to attract and retain talent in various fields, as well as the level of education and culture of the population.
• two) social cohesionIt refers to the degree of coexistence between groups of people with different incomes, cultures, ages and professions, as well as the quality of public health, social assistance and security services.
• 3) Economy: Refers to the sustainable economic development of the territory, based on innovation, entrepreneurship and productivity.
• 4) the environment: Refers to managing natural resources and reducing the environmental impacts of human activity, such as greenhouse gas emissions, air and soil pollution, and waste generation.
• 5) Governance: Refers to the transparency, participation and cooperation between the various public and private actors operating in the city, as well as the effectiveness and efficiency of public administration.
• 6) Urban planning: Refers to the design and organization of the physical space of a city, taking into account aspects such as population density, land use, basic infrastructure, and accessibility.
• 7) International projectionIt refers to the city’s ability to communicate with other cities and regions in the world, through networks of cooperation, cultural exchange and investment attraction.
• 8) Mobility and transportationIt refers to the ease of movement of people and goods inside and outside the city, through different, integrated and sustainable patterns.
• 9) share capital: Refers to the citizens’ level of trust, solidarity, and engagement with the city and with each other.
• 10) Technology: Refers to the use of information and communication technology to facilitate communication, information and service delivery in the city.

Some of the cities that stand out in these criteria are New York (United States of America), London (United kingdom), Paris (France), Helsinki (Finland), Singapore (Singapore) , Tokyo (Japan) f flood (South Korea). in Brazil, Sao Paulo It is the best city in the ranking IESE Business School.

The success of a smart city depends on cooperation between the public and private sectors. While local government plays a key role in creating and maintaining a data-driven environment, it is often necessary to collaborate with businesses to provide the necessary technology and expertise. Moreover, data analysts play an important role, evaluating information collected by smart city systems and finding solutions to problems and possible improvements.

Benefits of smart cities

The benefits of smart cities are varied and cover different areas, such as mobility, security, health, education and culture. Some of the advantages of living in a smart city are:

– Larger Efficiency in public transportationwith integrated systems that allow road planning, traffic control and pollutant emissions reduction.

– Larger General SecurityWith surveillance cameras, smart lighting, and sensors that detect danger situations and alert the competent authorities.

– Larger health qualitywith connected hospitals that facilitate access to patient data, diagnose and treat diseases, and wearable devices that monitor vital signs and send alerts in the event of an emergency.

– Larger Access to education and culturewith schools equipped with digital resources that encourage interactive and personalized learning, as well as platforms that offer online courses and diverse cultural content.

– Larger environmental sustainabilitywith waste, energy and water management systems that promote conscious consumption and the circular economy.

Smart cities challenges

challenges smart cities It is also diverse and requires the participation of different actors, such as governments, businesses, social organizations and citizens. Some of the obstacles to implementing smart cities are:

The high cost of infrastructure and maintenance of equipment and technological systems necessary to operate smart cities.

– Lack of standardization and interoperability between the different platforms and technological solutions used in smart cities.

Risks of violating the privacy and security of data for users of smart city services and applications.

– Lack of digital and social inclusion of the most vulnerable segments of the population, who may be excluded or marginalized from the benefits of smart cities.

Lack of citizen awareness and participation about the role they play in smart cities, as users and producers of data and information.

Smart cities are a global trend that can bring many opportunities and improvements to society. smart city will beyond technology. It seeks to use technology as a tool to improve the quality of life of citizens, enhance the sustainability and efficiency of urban services, and create closer interaction between the city, its residents, and its infrastructure.

It is a constantly evolving concept that promises to be transformative The future of cities and shaping the way we live and relate to the urban environment.

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