What is a Smart City?

A “Smart City” is a city that uses advanced technology and data analytics to improve the quality of life of its residents, create a sustainable environment, and drive economic growth. This includes the integration of smart infrastructure, such as sensors, communication networks, and intelligent systems, to optimize the delivery of public services, enhance transportation systems, and enable more efficient resource management.

Smart Cities also emphasize citizen engagement and participation in decision-making and prioritize using open data and transparency to increase accountability and trust. A city cannot be smart without doing its best to raise the standard of living for every citizen. So the question can be how cities can start to gather more data through the sensors and databases and still protect the citizens privacy and giving them a safe place to live.

What is Smart Governance?

My topic that I will be discussing is smart governance; I am going to break my description down into 3 parts: a general overview of smart governance, critical aspects of what separates smart governance from standard governance, and a broad example of how smart governance models are already starting to be implemented.

Innovative governance is the implementation of technology and data-driven decision-making to improve the quality of life for citizens and promote sustainable growth. The objective is to create efficient, responsive, and transparent government services that provide citizens with better access to information and resources. Smart governance incorporates data analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence elements to optimize operations, enhance civic engagement, and facilitate communication between the government and the public.

One of the critical aspects of smart governance is using technology to collect and analyze data to

inform decision-making. This includes public services, infrastructure, transportation, and public safety data. The use of data analytics can help identify patterns and trends that can inform policy and resource allocation. Automation can help streamline operations and improve efficiency in government services. For instance, automation can reduce administrative burdens for government

employees, allowing them to focus more on other areas requiring their expertise. Furthermore, smart governance can enhance civic engagement using digital communication tools, such as mobile apps and social media. Citizens can access public information and participate in decision-making through these digital channels.

One example of smart governance is the implementation of intelligent traffic management systems in cities. These systems can use sensors and data analytics to monitor traffic flow

and adjust signal timing to reduce congestion and improve safety. This not only improves transportation infrastructure but also reduces air pollution and promotes a more sustainable environment. Another example is using artificial intelligence to streamline public services, such as processing permits and licenses. AI can help reduce wait times and improve the accuracy of the application process, thereby making it more efficient for citizens.

Smart City Projects

1. Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Masdar City is a smart city located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, which aims to be a sustainable and carbon-neutral city. The project was initiated in 2006 by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and was designed by the British architectural firm Foster + Partners. The city covers an area of six square kilometers and is home to approximately 2,500 people.

Objective

The general objective of Masdar City is to create a sustainable and carbon-neutral urban environment by using renewable energy sources and promoting energy efficiency. The overall goal is to demonstrate that it is possible to build a city that is both environmentally sustainable and economically viable.

The city is designed to reduce energy consumption by using passive cooling techniques, such as shading and natural ventilation, and by incorporating energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting and smart building management systems. The city is also powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.

One of the critical features of Masdar City is its transportation system, which is based on electric

vehicles (EVs) and Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) systems. The PRT system is a driverless, on-demand transportation system that uses electric pods to transport passengers around the city. The EVs and PRT systems help to reduce the city’s carbon footprint and promote sustainable transportation.

Masdar City also strongly focuses on water conservation, using advanced technologies to recycle and reuse water. The city uses a closed-loop system for water management, which means that wastewater is treated and reused for irrigation and other non-potable uses.

My thoughts/Suggestions

My thoughts on Masdar City are that it is an impressive project demonstrating the potential for sustainable urban development. The city’s focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation is commendable, and its water management system is also impressive. However, it is essential to note that the city’s high construction cost and the limited number of residents raise questions about the project’s economic viability. Additionally, the city’s location in the desert makes it difficult to replicate in other parts of the world.

To improve the project, I would suggest that Masdar City could work on expanding its population and creating more job opportunities to increase its economic viability. Additionally, the city could work on developing more affordable housing options to make the city accessible to a broader range of people. Overall, Masdar City is an exciting project demonstrating the potential for sustainable urban development, but it also raises questions about the economic viability of such projects.

Problems, was it a success?

There is an interesting problem with the city in that it is mainly filled with tourists who are interested in seeing the technical marvel rather than citizens of the country who can afford and desire to live in the city. As I mentioned in my suggestions, improving the price of living in this area is simply not possible, and the people who could afford it, they would rather live in the city near their jobs. So the city was a success in creating an environmentally friendly city. However, I would call it a failure overall. Yes, tourism benefits the economy but does not create an environment where citizens want to live.

2. Singapore’s Smart Nation Initiative

The city-state of Singapore has been actively pursuing its Smart Nation Initiative since 2014. This project aims to harness the power of technology and data to enhance the quality of life for Singaporeans, create economic opportunities, and build a more sustainable and livable city.

Objective

The general objective of Singapore’s Smart Nation Initiative is to create an ecosystem where technology, innovation, and data can be harnessed to solve urban challenges and improve the lives of its citizens. The goal is to transform Singapore into a leading smart city that is livable, sustainable, and economically vibrant.

The Smart Nation Initiative is a comprehensive project that covers a wide range of areas. Here are some of the critical components of this initiative:

1. Smart Mobility: Singapore is working to develop a smart and sustainable transportation system that includes connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and smart traffic management.
2. Smart Environment: Singapore aims to create a sustainable and green city by leveraging technology and data to manage waste, monitor air quality, and optimize energy consumption.
3. Smart Health: Singapore is utilizing technology to improve healthcare outcomes by digitizing medical records, developing telemedicine services, and creating personalized healthcare solutions.
4. Smart Living: Singapore is using technology to enhance the quality of life for its citizens by creating smart homes, developing e-services, and building a more inclusive and accessible city.
5. Smart Nation Sensor Platform: This platform collects data from various sources to create a real-time picture of the city. This data can be used to optimize services, improve decision-making, and provide insights to citizens.

My Thoughts/Suggestions

One of the key strengths of the Smart Nation Initiative is the government’s commitment to creating a holistic and collaborative approach. The government has partnered with various stakeholders, including businesses, research institutions, and citizens, to co-create solutions that address urban challenges. The government has also taken a proactive approach to data privacy and cybersecurity, ensuring that citizens’ data is protected and secure.

However, there have also been criticisms of the Smart Nation Initiative. Some have raised concerns about privacy and surveillance, particularly deploying sensors and cameras in public spaces. Others have argued that the initiative is too focused on technology and not enough on addressing social and economic inequalities.

Overall, the Smart Nation Initiative is an ambitious and comprehensive project that aims to transform Singapore into a leading smart city. While there are valid criticisms, the government’s commitment to collaboration and data privacy should be an example for governments looking to become smart cities.

Was it successful?

To improve the project, there could be more focus on addressing social and economic inequalities and engaging citizens in decision-making. With Singapore being ranked the most innovative city in the world, there still needs to be a focus on those who are least fortunate in the town. As we have read and talked about in class, a smart city can not be successful without lifting up every citizen in the city. I think it is very close to being a successful project, but work is still to be done.

3. ShotSpotter in New York City

ShotSpotter is a gunshot detection system implemented in various cities across the United States, including New York. The system uses acoustic sensors to detect gunshots and immediately alerts law enforcement, allowing for a faster response time to gun-related crimes.

Objective

The general objective of the ShotSpotter project is to reduce gun violence in cities and enhance public safety. The overall goal is to make cities safer and more livable by reducing the impact of gun violence on residents and improving the quality of life.

The ShotSpotter system is comprised of a network of acoustic sensors that are placed strategically throughout the city. The sensors can detect the sound of a gunshot and triangulate its location. The system uses advanced algorithms to distinguish gunshots from other sounds, such as fireworks or

a car backfires and immediately alerts law enforcement.

Strengths/Suggestions

One of the key strengths of the ShotSpotter system is its speed and accuracy. By immediately alerting law enforcement to the location of a gunshot, police can respond more quickly and potentially apprehend the shooter. This can also reduce the number of shootings, as the system acts as a deterrent.

However, there have also been criticisms of the ShotSpotter system. Some have raised concerns about the cost of implementing and maintaining the design and the potential for false

positives, which could lead to innocent people being arrested or targeted by police. Additionally, there are concerns about privacy and the potential for the system to be used for surveillance purposes.

The ShotSpotter system is an innovative and potentially effective solution to reducing city gun violence. While there are valid criticisms, the system’s speed and accuracy in detecting gunshots should be applauded. However, to improve the project, there could be more focus on addressing the root causes of gun violence, such as poverty and access to firearms, and engaging communities in developing and implementing solutions.

Is it working?

The simple answer to the question is whether it works. The basic answer is no, absolutely not. When researching Shotspotter, more articles make fun of New York and Chicago for wasting a good amount of money on this system, but also how the system is wasting a lot of the department’s time and resources. When thinking about it logically, it makes sense why it wouldn’t work; the average response time to an alert is over 7 minutes, so if they are responding to the location where the shot was taken, whoever took it would be long gone. These cities have the highest crime in the nation, so maybe this was a start, but they need to fix it so that Shopspotter benefits the city.

Work Cited

https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=IDC_P23432

https://www.iotworldtoday.com/smart-cities/the-definitive-list-of-smart-cities-projects-taking-the-world-by-storm

What is Smart City Governance?

https://masdar.ae/Masdar-City

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-14/the-reality-of-abu-dhabi-s-unfinished-utopia

https://www.sacyr.com/en/-/la-primera-ciudad-sostenible-del-mundo-esta-en-medio-de-un-desierto

https://www.smartnation.gov.sg/

https://www.smartnation.gov.sg/about-smart-nation/digital-government/

https://ash.harvard.edu/files/ash/files/282181_hvd_ash_paper_jj_woo.pdf

https://www.shotspotter.com

^Shotspotter home page^

https://www.nyc.gov/assets/nypd/downloads/pdf/public_information/post-final/shotspotter-nypd-impact-and-use-policy_4.9.21_final.pdf

https://www.stopspying.org/shotspotter

What is a Smart City?

A smart city uses Internet of Things, information and communication technology, and data to improve quality of life, efficiency in the city, and operations in the city. The main aspect of smart cities is the use of data and technology in urban areas to improve some aspect of the city. The technology could be used to help with sustainability, or pollution, or even with the flow of traffic.

There are multiple components to smart cities including smart government, smart health, smart building, and many more. I believe this is a good definition because it encompasses the two main aspects of what a smart city is: use of technology and improving the city using said technology.

What is Smart Government and Community?

My topic is smart government and community. I am going to tackle this definition in two parts: smart government and smart communities.

Smart government: Smart government is when you use technology and data to help and support you in making decisions. E-government is when the government uses the internet and other applications online to help with people getting access to government information. An example of smart government could be using AI to help the police with recognizing people’s faces such as criminals in a public area. 

Having a smart government can help with the government being more transparent because they can post their information online and people can have easier access to the information and citizens can also more easily participate with any government events as they can be held on zoom or be posted online.

Smart community: A smart community is similar to a smart city but it focuses more on the citizens and smaller areas of a city. A smart community is a community that uses technology to help its citizens, businesses, and sustainability. Local governments help with implementing smart city initiatives in communities to better them.

An example of smart communities is adding a sensor to the children playing signs in neighborhoods so that the flash lights whenever they sense a child in the street so that drivers can be extra careful when driving. Having smart communities helps with having more community engagement, better sustainability, and better quality of life in those communities.

Three Smart City Projects

1. Civocracy – Civic Engagement Platform

A startup from Germany created this platform called Civocracy. On this platform people can access it online and on there citizens can post opinions, questions, suggestions, and commentary that then the government can have access to it and see what the citizens want and need. It is a way to communicate digitally between citizens and the government. This leads to more collaborative decision making and more transparency with the citizens and government. Some of the features include “city-led discussions, debates, real-time tracking, identifying their most active members, crowdsourcing ideas, and enabling multi-level administration”.

A specific example of where Civocracy is being used is in Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur. Nice is trying to be one of the first smart cities of France so they decided to implement Civocracy. Here is the link to access Civocracy Nice to see what posts have been made by citizens: https://legacy.civocracy.org/nicecotedazur/discussions/official 

Objective

The objective for Nice to adopt Civocracy is to better connect with the citizens in the regions and to see what the citizens are interested in and what help they need. Another objective is to start building Nice as a smart city by implementing this smart community solution. Also, this smart city solution will make sure citizens can engage more with their local government and have their voices be heard.

Impact

One of the main impacts is that all the posts made to Civocracy are then reviewed and sent to the appropriate internal department so then those departments can see what new projects they have to take on and what the citizens are feeling need to be done or updated in the community.

The main topic that was seen being posted on Civocracy by the citizens was about sustainability so now Nice is refactoring how they will tackle sustainability and what projects they should take on for that.

Success Metric

There are certain metrics that were used to see if this smart city implementation is a success. They are the number of contributions, relevance for the region, and diversity of topics. 

There were more than 280 contributions, at the time of the article being published, and those received 5124 votes. 78.5% of the posts were relevant to the Métropole of Nice Côte d’Azur. And, there were a variety of topics being discussed on the platform.

Suggestions/improvements

One recommendation that Civocracy suggests is to have official discussions led by the local government so that the citizens can engage more with the government and vice versa. I agree with this. I think that if there can be even more of a conversation than just posts on a website that would be great because it gives an opportunity to let citizens have their voices heard by real people and not just a post on a website. However, I do think that the website for posting your thoughts and opinions on the community is a great first start. It is a great way to start a conversation between the government and citizens.

2. Polys – Online Voting System

A startup in Russia called Polys created an online voting system. The online voting system they created uses blockchain technology and this leads to a very low chance of the results being manipulated with. You are able to access the voting system with SMS and smart cards and all votes are made anonymously to help with privacy. This online voting system lets citizens be more involved with their government and the decisions being made. This can lead to a higher voter turnout since people can vote from wherever they are.

Problem

A specific example of Polys being used is in Nuremberg when they had to vote for the Nuremberg Youth Council. The Youth Council needed to hold a re-election during the Covid-19 pandemic but due to the risk of spreading the sickness they canceled all in-person meetings. So, they decided to hold the voting online using the online voting system that Polys created. The Youth Council needed to have a private and secure way to vote online and since Polys uses Kaspersky, a cybersecurity provider, this made the Youth Council feel more confident in using this new way of voting. 

Without Polys we could not have held our vital re-election and would have needed to postpone it until some unknown future date.

       - Jonas Hofmann | Deputy Chairman of the Junge Union Nürnberg

Solution

One evening the Nuremberg Youth Council were able to do all their voting necessary using Polys and each voting phase only lasted a few minutes. The people were voted for securely,  in a private manner, and quickly.

Result

By having the online voting system the voting for the Nuremberg Youth Council was able to happen even in the midst of a pandemic. The members of the Youth COuncil even said that without Polys that the voting would have to have been pushed off for at least six months. By being able to vote privately from wherever you are there was no bias and greater privacy. Also, the results would show up instantly where in the past sometimes they would start voting for the next phase while the votes for the previous phase were still being counted.

Suggestions/Improvements

A suggestion I have is that Polys should be used for all elections even after the pandemic. There are so many positives of using the online voting system. It eases the process for when there has to be a vote. The people voting can be more private about it, can do it anywhere, and there is less risk for bias. Also, the results show up instantly instead of someone having to count manually. 

I think that the online voting system is a great way to get more citizens involved in their community and government. I am sure there are people who do not vote because they may not have the time to go out and vote or they may not be physically able to go vote. By having the online voting system available to everyone then people would be able to be more active in the community and even vote in elections that they normally would not take the time to. A suggestion I would have is to implement online voting systems in most local elections so that citizens can be more involved in their community. Also, considering having an online voting system for larger elections could help with voter turnout.

3. Smart Community Technology: Sea Level Rise Monitoring and Mitigation

The city of Coral Gables in Florida took on the initiative of becoming a smart community and did some projects to work towards that. One of those projects is a way to monitor and mitigate the sea level rising. This is an important project for Coral Gables since they are located near the ocean. The city decided to partner with universities and created a regional compact to help with mitigating across county lines.

Two projects they took on is “using SLOSH (sea, lake, and overland surges from hurricanes) modeling, and is creating an Interconnected Pond Routing storm water model.” One project they are doing using technology is that they created a LIDAR risk map and browser-based mapping that can be accessed on public websites. A future goal project would be to create a virtual reality experience where you could find long-term impacts from storms.

If you visit this website (https://cg-hubdev-cggis.opendata.arcgis.com/#inits ) you can see some of the initiatives that the city of Coral Gables is taking on. Two of them for monitoring the sea level rising are available to the public. There is a map of the Southeast Water Level Network Sensor Locations. There you can see what the water level is in different parts of Florida including Coral Gables. Another map available is to see different statistics of the water, such as water temperature, in different parts of Florida.

Other projects they have taken on for making sure the sea level rising does not become an issue is that they partnered with FIU and with them they are doing tidal gauge studies and sediment gauge studies. Another project they have worked on is doing a study on the infrastructure of the city to see how sea level projections will affect the existing infrastructure.

Suggestions/Improvements

I think that having these public maps available is a great step in getting community engagement since this is a problem that will affect the whole community. The maps show a great implementation of sensors since they are being used in multiple locations in Florida to capture lots of data including water level rising and water temperature.

A suggestion I have would be to take on more action in the mitigation category. It seems that there are a lot of projects and findings being placed towards monitoring the sea level rising and studies on existing infrastructure and how it will be affected by the sea level rising but not much being done with mitigation. More projects on making sure the sea level rising does not affect the community should be taken on. This will help the community feel more safe and secure.
Another suggestion I have would be to have sensors that could be placed in similar locations to where the others are placed but the new sensors could be used to see when a storm could be coming in, This could help the community plan for a storm coming and they could mitigate against there being any damage to the community or at least minimal damage happening.

Works Cited

Admin. “What Are the Benefits of Smart Governance? [Get the Answers at Byju’s].” BYJUS, BYJU’S, 24 Aug. 2021, https://byjus.com/ias-questions/what-are-the-benefits-of-smart-governance/.

Award-Winning Smart City Www.coralgables.com/It Www.coralgables.com … https://www.coralgables.com/sites/default/files/2022-07/CGIT_SmartCityInnovationPoster_2021%20-%20Web.pdf.

Civocracy, https://www.civocracy.org/nicecotedazur.

“E-Government (E-Gov).” USDA, https://www.usda.gov/ocio/centers/irmc/e-government#:~:text=%22Electronic%20Government%22(E%2D,bring%20about%20improvements%20in%20Government.

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Thomas, Christopher. “What Does It Take to Build a Smart Community?” Esri, 6 Feb. 2019, https://www.esri.com/about/newsroom/arcuser/what-does-it-take-to-build-a-smart-community/.

“Three Smart Community Examples (and What You Can Learn from Them).” Icma.org, https://icma.org/articles/article/three-smart-community-examples-and-what-you-can-learn-them.

“Voting for the Nuremberg Youth Council (Germany).” Polys, https://polys.vote/success-stories/voting-for-the-nuremberg-youth-council.

“What Are Smart Communities? Strategies, Examples and More.” Tomorrow.City – The Biggest Platform about Urban Innovation, https://tomorrow.city/a/what-is-smart-community.

“What Is a Smart City? – Definition and Examples.” TWI, https://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/what-is-a-smart-city#:~:text=A%20smart%20city%20uses%20information,government%20service%20and%20citizen%20welfare.