We need smarter cities, not “smart cities”

Smart cities are driven by outcomes beyond the implementation of solutions. The residents are defined by their talents, relationships, and sense of ownership.

A smart city can encompass a wide range of innovations. One type of smart city is Singapore, which is exploring high-tech approaches such as drones. One of the pioneers of the bus rapid transit system is Curitiba, Brazil. The capital of Zimbabwe is a smart city with a shopping center that was built in 1996 and uses nature-based solutions to manage flooding.

Technology must be applied in a way that takes into account the needs of city dwellers. The UN Development Programme and the country office team at the UN are working together to improve how the city infrastructure is managed. The city is standardizing materials and designs, streamlining approval and allocation processes, and increasing the speed and quality of repairs and maintenance. The needs of its citizens drive everything. Cities in Latin America are taking into account well-being and other outcomes.

The death and life of great American cities was written by Jane Jacobs. They are conduits for adventure and social interaction in the city. The bigger idea of connection between elements is just as important as the sidewalks.

Truly smart cities recognize the ambiguity of lives and livelihoods, and they are driven by outcomes beyond the implementation of “solutions.”

Too often we see smart cities focus on technology alone. The cities we end up with are defined by use case or platform. The vision of a tech-centered city is not feasible for many places. The city has the potential to reduce poverty while enhancing inclusion.

The interplay between the community, the local government, and the private sector is what we focus on in our work. High-tech innovations, but also low-cost, low-tech innovations and nature-based solutions are available. Qualitative detail behind the data points is what big data is about. The connections and side walks are not just use cases. The aim of our work is to redefine smart cities and increase the scope and usefulness of our urban development tool kit.