COVER FEATURE
INGENIEUR
SHAPING THE FUTURE VISION FOR SMART CITIES
By Associate Professor Dr Nur Sabahiah Abdul Sukor School of Civil Engineering Universiti Sains Malaysia
Presently , over 50 % of global population live in cities . The percentage of people living in cities is projected to increase from 56 % in 2021 to 68 % in 2050 [ 1 ]. Accordingly , the need for resources , including energy , transportation , food and services , will increase as urban populations increase .
Cities must overcome the effects of urbanisation , including climate change , spread of epidemics diseases and greenhouse gases . Many people desire to live in cities , but if cities cannot accommodate fast-paced lifestyles , then this situation will severely affect the quality of life . Without a good ecosystem , cities will become disordered and disorganised .
Initiatives to expand urban infrastructure and services have been implemented in cities globally , with the aim of strengthening the environment , social and economic conditions , as well as the attractiveness and competitiveness of cities . The idea of a ‘ smart city ’ is considered a means of overcoming obstacles and accommodating increasing population demand whilst not compromising sustainability .
What is a Smart City ?
The definition of ‘ smart city ’ is conceptually challenging . The idea of a smart city is relatively new compared with compact and liveable cities , and can be characterised as the successor to information , digital and sustainable cities .
The term ‘ smart city ’ was popularised in response to economic growth and technological advancements at the end of the 20 th century . An example of the first definition envisions smart cities as those that use the latest technology to monitor all components of their infrastructure and incorporate information obtained from sensors and monitoring systems to optimise resources , maximise services to citizens and improve urban management [ 2 ].
Presently , ‘ smart cities ’ commonly describe cities that are ‘ digital ’, ‘ intelligent ’, ‘ real-time ’, ‘ green ’ or ‘ sustainable ’. Additionally , this concept is a broad idea that encompasses other sub-themes , such as smart urbanism , smart economy , smart environment , smart technology , smart energy , smart mobility and smart health . Accordingly , the following questions should be answered : How can this idea be implemented ? In what ways can smart cities assist in addressing issues and difficulties faced by highly-populated cities ?
Shaping the Vision
Every city is distinct and faces its own series of challenges . Consequently , each smart city ’ s requirements and primary concerns are distinctively varied . Generally , three approaches can be considered to develop a vision for smart cities . These approaches include formulating clear and concrete measures via business model , governance and society .
Business Models
Smart cities ’ business strategy must benefit its citizens . Comprehensive knowledge of creating business models for smart cities is needed to systematically examine the most relevant features of investment propositions that could assist replication and large-scale roll-out of smart city solutions . Smart
12 VOL 93 JANUARY-MARCH 2023