Page 6 - Enabling digital transformation in smart sustainable cities – Master plan

Executive Summary

Rapid evolution of technologies in the past few decades has facilitated the incorporation of
emerging technologies across sectors for the implementation of business-model innovation,
and this offers the delivery of unique engagement and services within the smart city ecosystem.

Many cities across the globe are undertaking their journey towards becoming smart and
sustainable through the digital transformation process, to cater to the needs of the inhabitants
and other stakeholders and improve the quality of living. Digital transformation in the smart city
context aims at the continuous action of leveraging technologies to improve service delivery
and design, as well as to ensure their efficiency and accessibility to inhabitants, while reducing
the impact of urban operations on the environment, and provide an abode for innovation for
the present and future generations.

This report aims to provide urban stakeholders, including municipalities, with a general overview
of the stages and standards needed to drive digital transformation in smart sustainable cities. It
provides a guide for the implementation of the smart sustainable city (SSC) concept based on
the intensive use of emerging digital technologies. It also refers the reader to relevant standards
and publications addressing the specific technical aspects involved in the design and overall
operation of SSC and digital transformation strategies.

While building upon the expertise available in the field, this report is intended to be as general
and inclusive as possible. It aims to inform the design of SSC and digital transformation strategies
irrespective of the size of the city, its location or the availability of resources, in developed and
developing countries alike.

This report is based on Supplement 33 to ITU-T Y.4000 series – Smart sustainable cities – Master
plan.

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