As technology such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices get better, more and more city planners are implementing Smart City solutions. But are these smart city solutions really improving the lives of its residents, businesses, and visitors? This article explores why many smart city solutions are not really beneficial and gives recommendations for implementing people-first Smart City solutions.

1. Redefining Smart City Solutions – The Need to Put People First.

First, let’s start with some definitions of what a Smart City is. Amazingly, most definitions of Smart City are focused on technology, not on making city residents’ lives better. For example, below are two Smart City definitions focused on the efficient use of  information and communications technology (ICT). Then in contrast, I have included a better Smart City definition that focuses on benefiting both people and businesses .

a. Smart City Definitions: Too Focused on Tech, Not People.

First, below are two Smart City definitions that are tech-focused.

“A smart city is a technologically modern urban area that uses different types of electronic methods and sensors to collect specific data. Information gained from that data is used to manage assets, resources and services efficiently; in return, that data is used to improve operations across the city.”

Wikipedia

“one that makes optimal use of all the interconnected information available today to better understand and control its operations and optimize the use of limited resources.”

IBM

b. A Better Smart City Definition: Focused on People First.

Now, here is a people-first Smart City definition.

“A Smart City is a place where traditional networks and services are made more efficient with the use of digital and telecommunication technologies for the benefit of its inhabitants and business.”

European Commission 

Unquestionably, I like this last Smart City definition because it focuses on the ”benefit of its inhabitants and business”.  As a result, this definition allows for innovation, specifically social innovations, to make cities better for people. Bottom line, cities should prioritize using technology to benefit their residents rather than merely focusing on developing the next “hot” tech solution for publicity. Positively, the emphasis should be on leveraging tech to put people first.

“If you invite more cars, you get more cars. If you make more streets better for cars you get more traffic. If you make more bicycle infrastructure you get more bicycles. If you invite people to walk more and use public spaces more, you get more life in the city. You get what you invite.”

Jan Gehl

2. The Real Purpose of Smart Cities – Focus on People, Leverage Internet of Things (IoT) Tech.

a. Primary Objective of Smart Cities

So to expand on this last definition of Smart Cities above, the primary objectives of smart cities are to increase:

• Productivity
• Livability
• Sustainability

“All the cities of the world are going to expand. We need to have a better understanding of what makes good urban habitat for home sapiens. We have an obligation to make the new places more livable, more sustainable, more healthy. we have the tools.”

Jan Gehl

b. Leverage Internet of Things (IoT) Tech to Improve People’s Lives.

Internet Of Things Examples – Hidden Technology Automating Logistics

Also, it is important for us to define what makes smart cities smart. The core technology is the Internet of Things (IoT). Specifically, IoT technology includes devices such as connected sensors, meters, and a wide range of smart devices. For more detailed information on IoT technology, see my article, Internet Of Things Examples.

So to recap, a Smart City uses technology and data-driven solutions to collect and analyze data to better serve and improve the lives of residents, businesses, and visitors. Consequently by utilizing IoT, automation, and smart devices, cities are able to reduce energy consumption, improve public safety, and promote better public services. Also, a Smart City uses technology to connect citizens with one another and to their city, creating a sense of community. The end result of a Smart City solution is to increase productivity, livability, and sustainability of the city for its people.

“It’s interesting to see which cities of the world are on the list of livable cities. They’re always the cities that are sweet to their people.”

Jan Gehl

3. Suggested People-First Smart City Solution Guidelines.

Below are 5 recommended Smart City guidelines for city planners.

a. Make Cities More Livable For Inhabitants Now and For The Future. 

A Smart City framework enhances safety and quality in urban environments. It is walkable, offers convenient access to public facilities, transportation, and natural spaces, all of which are crucial for livability. Furthermore, Smart City initiatives are affordable for all residents and sustainable for future generations.

b. Focus On Social Innovation First, Which Drives Tech Innovation. 

Urban Logistics: Here Are the Best Ways for Cities To Achieve Unparalleled Results

Social innovation aims to generate social benefits rather than individual benefits. Most importantly, social innovation complements the community and to a lesser extent, special interest groups. Indeed, by city planners focusing on the community at large, they are not swayed by special interest groups, lobbyists, or just one section of the community. Lastly, cities should implement Smart City solutions that better all residents. For instance, this can include goals to reduce poverty, increase employment, increase health, and increase opportunities for all residents.

c. Technology Must Enhance Human Interaction. 

What’s more, a Smart City’s technology infrastructure needs to focus on human interaction and information sharing. As a result, technology solution build up communities and enhances social bonds versus isolating and segregating communities and individuals.

d. No Information Silos Within Smart City Infrastructures. 

The whole purpose of ICT technology is to share information and make it actionable. As a result, any information silos in a Smart City inhibit having the best information at the right place and time. Further, this data is also critical for optimizing the Smart City now and in support of the changing needs of the inhabitants and business in the future. Lastly, this information sharing includes public input, bottom-up approach, to shape future Smart City innovations. For a more detailed discussion on the importance of interoperability, see my article, Data Interoperability: Advice To Make It Understandable, Usable, Secure.

Logistics Data Interoperability: Advice To Make It Understandable, Usable, Secure.

e. Focus on the Civic and Neighborhood Level. 

Shared Micromobility, A Solution To Better Urban Mobility And Livability

Neighborhoods are where Smart City technology will best benefit city residents from improving housing, commerce, and urban infrastructure. Additionally, developing smart city solutions include soliciting ideas at the community level to identify the needs of the people versus just assuming what they need. See NIH Library of Medicine’s Smart Cities for Technological and Social Innovation for more discussion on Smart City solutions and social innovation.

Overall, creating a people-first Smart City is essential for creating a better quality of life for citizens. Indeed, technology should be used to enhance the lives of people. Without question, a Smart City should be designed to solve real problems, not just to implement flashy gadgets and technologies.

For more from SC Tech Insights, see the latest topics on Transportation, IoT, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).  Also, for more on Smart City technologies, see my article, Smart City And IoT – The Best Opportunities And The Challenges.

Smart City And IoT – The Best Opportunities And The Challenges