Page 53 - Implementing ITU-T International Standards to Shape Smart Sustainable Cities: The Case of Dubai

Implementing ITU-T International Standards to Shape Smart Sustainable Cities – The Case of Dubai

▪ Cities should define a general protocol to standardize the process of data collection based on
surveys. Cities interested in initiating the KPI data collection process are also encouraged to
collect all KPIs on an annual basis, with the exception of KPIs that are collected every two
years in consideration of the survey collection period.
▪ Cities may wish to establish a “lessons learned process” with inputs from all entities involved
to review and improve the data collection process.
▪ Cities should consider using multiple data sources internally, which can yield a more complete
picture for the KPI verification process and also build credibility for the smart city project. By
collecting information from multiple sources, it is also possible that one source of data will
compensate for a weakness in another source.

▪ Cities should establish the initial process for defining smart-sustainable city targets and utilize
the KPIs of Recommendations ITU-T Y.4901/L.1601 and ITU-T Y.4902/L.1602 as referential
inputs for the same.

Areas meriting closer attention: How can the KPIs be improved?

An evaluation of the KPIs characteristics was also carried out in order to guarantee coherence,
alignment and comparison with the KPIs assessment process in cities elsewhere. The desired
characteristics of these KPIs are described in Box 12.
Box 12 – ITU Smart Sustainable Cities KPIs characteristics (ITU , 2016)

▪ The KPI name, concept clarity, and the target level of the aspect that is to be measured have
been taken into account.
▪ The need to maintain consistency of the calculation formula to generate the KPI based on the
primary data collected was highlighted. The variables of the formulas should match the aspect
to be measured. It has to have mathematical coherence. The reported values for the baseline
year should be aligned with the unit of measure defined for the KPI.
▪ The frequency of the KPI calculation and measurement should be consistent.
▪ The baseline year and the measurement frequency of the KPI reported should have sufficient
mechanisms available to guarantee that the primary information to generate the KPI is
correct.
▪ The KPI should be measurable if all the primary information to generate it is available.
▪ The KPI should be relevant and should measure what is expected to be measured i.e. the use
and impact of ICTs on cities` efficiency and sustainability.

This pilot project in Dubai has revealed certain areas for improvement in the KPI framework
developed by ITU in the Recommendation ITU-T Y.4901/L.1601 and ITU-T Y.4902/L.1602.
Accordingly, this section will highlight some suggestions for improvements in the KPIs which
Dubai submitted to Advisory Board for Smart Sustainable Cities for the development of the
Global Smart Sustainable City Index and for the future review of the existing KPIs.

43