Page 6 - U4SSC Simple ways to be smart

Executive summary

The term “smart city” conjures up images of futuristic, high-tech large cities that are clean, efficient,
and a delight to live in. This image is at odds with the experience of most city dwellers and for many
cities, appears to be out of reach, or indeed a demanding proposition. A common perception is
that smart cities are all larger cities that function smoothly, are well resourced and with deep skill
bases, that can be drawn on to develop sophisticated, high-tech interventions. This perception
excludes the majority of cities and human settlements which are not large or well-resourced and
have operational challenges.

However, smart technologies and ideas have relevance for all cities and settlements as they enable
better city management and operation and can improve quality of life. This report on "Simple ways
to be smart" was conceived to identify smart interventions that do not require excessive material or
capacity inputs, and yet can help cities and settlements to become more inclusive, safe, resilient,
and sustainable.

Smart cities have also been criticised for serving the needs of the elite at the expense of the majority
of city residents, thus increasing inequality in cities. However, if smart cities are developed based
on needs, they can provide public services that are more efficient, effective and personalised.
To ensure that cities are developed for the benefit of all, they need to put residents and local
concerns at the centre and to reaffirm the role of local authorities as trusted agents and guardians
of equality and social cohesion. This report collects examples of smart interventions that support
the aforementioned goals, and produces a guide for cities that wish to embark on the journey to
be “smarter”.

ITU describes a smart and sustainable city (SSC) as an “innovative city that uses information and
communication technologies (ICTs) and other means to improve quality of life, efficiency of urban
operation and services, and competitiveness, while ensuring that it meets the needs of present and
future generations with respect to economic, social, environmental as well as cultural aspects”, a
definition embraced by U4SSC, and this is the definition adopted for the purpose of this report. In
adopting this definition, it is important to recognise that smart interventions need not be technology-
based but should be premised on evidence. These interventions should also pay careful attention
to the target population whose needs are being addressed.

This report defines criteria for what makes an intervention smart and simple. Being mindful of the
need for sustainability interventions that would support one or more of the sustainable development
goals, were sought. In particular, interventions that would not contribute to increasing inequality
were pursued for the purpose of this report. Based on these criteria a call was issued for case studies
and over 30 were identified. From these, 10 illustrative cases were selected to be elaborated on
further. Key features of other cases are described in the text.

iv U4SSC: Simple ways to be smart