Page 16 - U4SSC: City Science Application Framework

which predominantly rely on data and city science solutions. Consequently, they create actual
demand for city science solutions in alignment with the objectives defined in such policies and
strategies. The broad range of city science stakeholders defined in this report indicates the
need for a wide-reaching approach crossing boundaries of institutions, sectors, organizations,
academic disciplines, etc. The differences in maturity level of cities with respect to city science
may necessitate a tailored approach for strategies and policies. A unified vision along with
supportive coherent strategies and policies can help cities adopt city science while addressing
their particular urban issues, improving their economic performance and also addressing their
specific social and environmental challenges.
vi. R&D programmes: Other industries’ R&D expenditures have been critical in the emergence of
innovation networks. R&D helps in building capabilities, tapping into clusters of new knowledge
and bringing in highly talented workers for city development. Therefore, targeted R&D
expenditures are important to develop innovative techniques and methods that are required in
city science. Different urban challenges and city problems can also be analysed and turned into
R&D requirements.
vii. Laws and regulations: City administrations, or in some cases national governments, can issue
laws and regulations which directly or indirectly impact city science. They may entail various
legislations, regulations, compliance requirements, guidelines, etc. regarding city data, city
science methods and algorithms (e.g. data protection, data privacy, data governance legislations,
AI ethical guidelines). These laws and regulations are important mechanisms to deal with issues
related to city science and constitute an effective lever for enhancing adoption of city science.

viii. City science related entrepreneurships and start-up support: Enhancing city science skills and
competencies and investing in R&D programmes create short to long term potentials for
boosting city science. However, businesses constitute the main means of converting city science
ideas into wealth and jobs. In this context, entrepreneurs and start-ups play a critically important
role in turning emerging technological and commercial opportunities into real businesses.
Hence, policies that focus on fostering city science start-ups can be used as an enabler to
flourish city science.

Additionally, incubators and accelerators can help prepare city science businesses and start-ups for
growth by providing guidance and mentorship in slightly different ways and at different stages in
their lives.

Additionally, incubators and accelerators can help prepare city science businesses and start-ups for
growth by providing guidance and mentorship in slightly different ways and at different stages in
their lives.

Incubator programs can assist city science businesses in their start-up phase by offering office space,
business skills training, and access to financing and professional networks, among others. Incubator
programs can help city science businesses on their feet in their start-up phase and may last variable
amount of time depending on business.

Incubators provide management guidance, technical assistance and consulting tailored to growing
city science businesses. They also provide clients access to appropriate rental space and flexible

8 City Science Application Framework