Page 152 - Shaping smarter and more sustainable cities - Striving for sustainable development goals

The efforts conducted by this group have been rooted on the recognition of the city as a complex
system that is continuously evolving, and one that is formed by a wide variety of stakeholders that
need to be involved in any strategy leading to a more sustainable future. In line with this
understanding, efforts to develop 'smart' technological innovations, and to integrate physical
infrastructures, are not enough. The role of ICTs within SSC strategies needs to be articulated with
broader, more holistic visions of the city, in synchrony with its identity and urban development
goals, supported by appropriate governance structures, and being responsive to the needs of the
citizens, who are at the core of the city's functioning.
Building on this basis, the report suggests a stage‐based, action‐oriented process or 'Master Plan
Phases' to develop an integrated management scheme for SSC, to help inform the work of city
decision makers, as they tackle the challenge of transforming their cities into Smart Sustainable
Cities.

Scope

This document seeks to provide municipalities and interested stakeholders with a general overview
of the stages and technical specifications that need to be considered to effectively apply the notion
of SSC to their respective cities. It provides a guide for the implementation of SSC based on intensive
use of ICTs, and refers the reader to a series of thematic reports, prepared by the FG‐SSC, that
address the specific technical aspects involved in the design and operation of SSC strategies
(Annex 1).
While building upon expertise available in the field, this document is intended to be as general and
inclusive as possible. It aims to inform the design of SSC strategies of any city irrespective of its size,
location or resource availability, both in developed and developing countries.

The concepts and definitions presented in the document are in alignment with the technical reports
and specifications produced by the FG‐SSC as part of its contribution to the work of ITU‐T Study
7
Group 5 (SG5) on Environment and Climate Change .
The composition and scope of work of the FG‐SSC are summarized in Box 1.

____________________
7 Further information on the work of ITU‐T SG5 is available at: http://www.itu.int/en/ITU‐
T/studygroups/2013‐2016/05/Pages/default.aspx

142 ITU‐T's Technical Reports and Specifications