Technology and Talent Strategies for Sustainable Smart Cities: Digital Futures

Governments, communities, and developers are embracing ICT, renewable energies, and other technologies to build smart cities that meet present and future needs. This book examines the strategies, business models, practices, tools, and actions needed to ensure sustainable and impactful smart city development.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 02 October 2023
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

Governments, communities, and developers are actively exploring the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), renewable energies, and a diverse range of other technologies to create smart cities that cater to the present and future economic, social, environmental, and cultural needs. The question arises, however, whether our cities are adequately prepared to embrace this technological transformation. Can we shift our focus from mere expansion to prioritize sustainability and the ability to regenerate resources? Are the available technologies alone capable of generating significant and lasting impacts on our planet's health?

In order to address these critical inquiries, this book takes a comprehensive and critical approach. It delves into the strategies, business models, practices, tools, and actions required to ensure that smart cities deliver on their promises. By examining the successes and challenges encountered by cities around the world, the book provides valuable insights into the key factors that contribute to the development and success of smart cities.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the role of governance in shaping smart city development. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative and inclusive decision-making processes that involve a wide range of stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, and government agencies. The book highlights the need for transparent and accountable governance structures that promote innovation, sustainability, and social equity.

Another important aspect of smart city development is the business model. The book examines the various revenue streams and business models that can support the development and operation of smart cities, including public-private partnerships, concessions, and integrated service delivery models. It explores the challenges and opportunities associated with these business models, such as ensuring financial sustainability, promoting competition, and addressing social and environmental concerns.

Practices and tools are also crucial components of smart city development. The book discusses the various technologies and tools that can be used to enhance urban infrastructure, such as smart grids, intelligent transportation systems, and data analytics. It explores the challenges and opportunities associated with these technologies, such as scalability, interoperability, and privacy concerns.

In addition to these technical aspects, the book also emphasizes the importance of social and cultural considerations in smart city development. It explores the ways in which smart cities can promote social inclusion, cultural diversity, and economic empowerment. It highlights the need for inclusive design, accessible infrastructure, and community engagement to ensure that smart city solutions benefit all members of society.

Finally, the book raises important questions about the sustainability and re-generatability of smart cities. It explores the potential environmental impacts of smart city development, such as energy consumption, waste generation, and climate change. It emphasizes the need for sustainable practices, renewable energy sources, and environmentally friendly technologies to ensure that smart cities are not only efficient but also environmentally responsible.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and critical examination of the strategies, business models, practices, tools, and actions needed to ensure that smart cities deliver the solutions they promise. By exploring the successes and challenges encountered by cities around the world, it offers valuable insights into the key factors that contribute to the development and success of smart cities. As we navigate the technological shift towards smart cities, this book serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, communities, and developers alike.

Governments, communities, and developers are actively exploring the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), renewable energies, and a diverse range of other technologies to create smart cities that cater to the present and future economic, social, environmental, and cultural needs. The question arises, however, whether our cities are adequately prepared to embrace this technological transformation. Can we shift our focus from mere expansion to prioritize sustainability and the ability to regenerate resources? Are the available technologies alone capable of generating significant and lasting impacts on our planet's health?

In order to address these critical inquiries, this book takes a comprehensive and critical approach. It delves into the strategies, business models, practices, tools, and actions required to ensure that smart cities deliver on their promises. By examining the successes and challenges encountered by cities around the world, the book provides valuable insights into the key factors that contribute to the development and success of smart cities.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the role of governance in shaping smart city development. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative and inclusive decision-making processes that involve a wide range of stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, and government agencies. The book highlights the need for transparent and accountable governance structures that promote innovation, sustainability, and social equity.

Another important aspect of smart city development is the business model. The book examines the various revenue streams and business models that can support the development and operation of smart cities, including public-private partnerships, concessions, and integrated service delivery models. It explores the challenges and opportunities associated with these business models, such as ensuring financial sustainability, promoting competition, and addressing social and environmental concerns.

Practices and tools are also crucial components of smart city development. The book discusses the various technologies and tools that can be used to enhance urban infrastructure, such as smart grids, intelligent transportation systems, and data analytics. It explores the challenges and opportunities associated with these technologies, such as scalability, interoperability, and privacy concerns.

In addition to these technical aspects, the book also emphasizes the importance of social and cultural considerations in smart city development. It explores the ways in which smart cities can promote social inclusion, cultural diversity, and economic empowerment. It highlights the need for inclusive design, accessible infrastructure, and community engagement to ensure that smart city solutions benefit all members of society.

Finally, the book raises important questions about the sustainability and re-generatability of smart cities. It explores the potential environmental impacts of smart city development, such as energy consumption, waste generation, and climate change. It emphasizes the need for sustainable practices, renewable energy sources, and environmentally friendly technologies to ensure that smart cities are not only efficient but also environmentally responsible.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and critical examination of the strategies, business models, practices, tools, and actions needed to ensure that smart cities deliver the solutions they promise. By exploring the successes and challenges encountered by cities around the world, it offers valuable insights into the key factors that contribute to the development and success of smart cities. As we navigate the technological shift towards smart cities, this book serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, communities, and developers.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837530236