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SDG Library - Smart cities Module

Introduction to smart cities

Cities are at the center of the UN SDG strategy. The technologies that underline their development contribute directly to SDG 9 "Industry innovation and infrastructure" and 11 "Sustainable cities and communities", but also indirectly to achieving many other SDGs - via networks and applications for city educational institutions (Goal 4), AI based water management and waste disposal systems (SDG 6), an interactive and responsive city administration (SDG 16), the implementation of remote patient monitoring, screening for cancer and similar systems (SDG 3).

Smart-city solutions such as air quality monitoring, energy use optimization, and electricity, water, and waste tracking can produce results such as 10-15% fewer GHG emissions, 30-130 fewer kilograms of solid waste per person per year, and 25-80 liters of water saved per person per day. In a new study on smart cities, McKinsey Global Institute investigates how technology can deliver a better quality of life. Findings indicate that using the current generation of smart city applications could effectively help cities make significant or moderate progress toward meeting 70% of the Sustainable Development Goals..According to the European commission "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". Just using technologies is not enough. What exactly makes a city smart? The notion of the Internet of Things is central to understanding how smart cities work. The technology base (devices and connectivity) is only the first level. The next one is made of software applications that process data and transform them into prompts, recommendations and action. The third and key element of a smart city is the usage of applications by entities and citizens

Videos

(coming soon)

Readings

  1. McKinsey Global Institute, Smart cities: digital solutions for a more liveable future
  2. "Privacy in the Smart City – Applications, Technologies, Challenges and Solutions" by David Eckhoff, and Isabel Wagner, 2017
  3. "The Concept of Sustainability in Smart City Definitions", by Angeliki Maria Toli, Niamh Murtagh, 2020 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2020.00077/full
  4. Moscow Mayor official website, How does a smart city work? https://www.mos.ru/en/city/pro...;

Case Study

This case presents a dramatic transformational journey of Moscow transport system from 2011 till now. In 2011 Moscow was named one of the most congested cities of the world. Seven years later, in 2018, its transport system was ranked as the world’s most efficient with minimal waiting times and increased transport speed during rush hours. This was achieved with the help of an intelligent transport system, a range of smart technologies, considerable investments, political will and citizen engagement.

The transformation of Moscow transport systems case study

Quiz

Question 1: What makes a city smart? (single choice)

a. Physical infrastructure, internet and users.

b. Smartphones, mobile applications and call-centers.

c. Internet of Things, big data software/applications and users

d. Connectivity, tracking devices and sensors

(Answer: c)

Question 2: What is the biggest challenges in implementing smart city solutions? (multiple choice)

a. Lack of investment and /or vision

b. Conservative population with low tech literacy

c. Lack of communication between various departments

d. Poor connectivity (internet/wi-fi coverage and speed)

(Answer: a, c & d)

Question 3: What are the concerns and issues in smart cities, that need to be addressed? (multiple choice).

a. health risks from exposure to wireless technology

b. data security

c. invasion of privacy

d. decreasing face-to-face social interaction

(Answer: b & c)

Group Discussion

Reflect on and share with the group you thoughts on the following (choose at least 2 topics):

  1. Citizen engagement platforms such as "Active citizen" platform do not really engage citizens in decision-making process. The most important problems and many issues of concern are not included open for voting on them. Alex Gladstein, Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation says that "Active Citizen is offering Muscovites only a mirage of accountability. In the end, it’s sort of like allowing the people to pretend to make a decision”
  2. Some believe, that smart cities do not lead to inclusion, as they in fact exclude underprivileged and marginalized groups, which do not have easy access to technology such as smartphones and the internet. Using smart city applications may also be problematic for senior citizens. Do you agree? If you do what could be possible solutions for better inclusion.
  3. One of the biggest smart city related issues is privacy and personal data security. The effectiveness of smart city applications heavily relies on data collection and pervasiveness. At the same time the introduction of strict regulations may impede further development of smart technologies. The same solutions that help save lives and prevent crimes may violate individuals' privacy. Is there a solution to this?
  4. Apart from SDG11, what other SDGs and specific targets are affected most by smart city technologies?
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