The term “smart cities” originated as a marketing strategy for large IT vendors, according to an article in the MIT Technology Review. Written by urban experts from the UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development, Riad Meddeb and Calum Handforth, the article argues that cities amount to more than 5G, big data, autonomous vehicles and AI. Instead, cities are crucial drivers of opportunity, prosperity and progress.
“Truly smart cities are driven by outcomes beyond the implementation of ‘solutions’,” write the authors, arguing that cities should be defined by their residents’ talents, relationships and sense of ownership. “Where technology can play a role, it must be applied thoughtfully and holistically,” they continue. They cite the example of Guatemala City, which in collaboration with the UNDP is improving city infrastructure such as parks and lighting according to the needs of its citizens, taking into account well-being rather than just quantitative variables.
“The vision of a tech-centric city is conceptually, financially, and logistically out of reach for many places. This can lead officials and innovators to dismiss the city’s real and substantial potential to reduce poverty while enhancing inclusion and sustainability,” write the authors.
The UN Development Programme focuses on the different components of a smart city, including the community, the local government, and the private sector. It explores high-tech innovations as well as low-cost, low-tech innovations and nature-based solutions. “We must move beyond the sales pitches and explore how our cities can be true platforms for inclusive and sustainable development,” say Meddeb and Handforth.
