They are the major social, economic and political challenges of our time: environmental pollution, population growth in urban centres and demographic change.
With the development of technically, economically and socially innovative and sustainable solutions, attempts are being made to counter this change in urban space. In so-called “smart” cities, processes are designed more efficiently and controlled more intelligently by means of technological progress. They are greener and more environmentally friendly and offer spaces in which social inclusion can be actively lived. Such concepts for increasing the quality of life in urban centres through the use of technological innovations are generally subsumed under the English collective term “smart city” worldwide.
The dimensions of smart cities
Smart cities are holistic concepts. They thrive on networking, their sub-areas are interwoven and mesh like cogwheels. Central themes of smart cities are the following:
Smart economy
A smart economy is characterised by a special entrepreneurial spirit and the transfer of knowledge. Synergies are created here in order to become more economically productive on a local, regional and global level and to be able to generate growth.
Smart people
Smart people are creative and networked. They become active themselves, participate in the development of their environment and help shape it. An important characteristic of a smart population is an active, ecologically and economically sensible sharing culture. Examples of this are car-sharing solutions, neighbourhood boxes for the exchange of equipment, for example, and urban gardening projects.
Smart governance
Allowing citizen participation, showing transparency, pushing inclusive concepts, making administrative processes and services more efficient and convenient with the help of technology-based innovations: these are the central goals of smart city administrations.
Smart mobility
Being smart and sustainably mobile means, above all, being on the road with particularly low emissions and efficiency, as well as being safe and affordable. Solutions include, for example, large mobility stations with bicycle or e-scooter rental systems and the possibility of app-supported ticket purchases.
Smart environment
The long-term detachment from fossil fuels and the move towards renewable energies is the central environmental issue in smart cities. A smart environment also offers living spaces – spaces to live in. Public parks and squares are designed to offer the highest quality of life.
Smart living
Smart living is closely interwoven with smart home solutions. Heating costs are kept low by means of intelligent technical solutions; generation-appropriate assistance systems enable older people to live independently within their own four walls; modern, central home control systems network self-learning elements.
In the area of health, for example, video consultations, electronic patient files and health apps enable uncomplicated access to medical services.
SMART, SMARTER, SMART CITY.
Link: www.mysmartcitygraz.at