As technology advances and increasingly influences our daily activities, this evolving landscape can also affect urban development. Eduardo Garcia Rodriguez of Capterra discusses new research looking at the drivers of smart cities and how we can address some of the accompanying challenges and concerns
Smart cities have emerged as a transformative force, reshaping how citizens live in their homes and cities and interact with their surroundings.
Integrating technology, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), into the fabric of cities not only promises increased efficiency and sustainability but also poses challenges that businesses in these cities must navigate.
A recent Capterra survey of 1,058 adults living in UK cities shed light on the technologies driving smart cities in the UK and the preferences of city-dwellers in regard to these technologies. This research serves as a basis for the strategies businesses can employ to harness their potential while fostering citizen trust.
Understanding the smart city landscape
Smart cities use advanced technology to improve urban living and efficiency across diverse sectors. Characterised by innovative technologies and data-driven decision-making, aims to enhance citizen experiences, optimise resources and foster sustainable growth.
By using interconnected technology – often in the cloud – smart cities create collaborative ecosystems among municipalities, residents and businesses.
While many smart city elements are focused on government or local council initiatives, businesses also play a crucial role by integrating technology to enhance operations, engage with citizens and collaborate with municipalities to improve urban efficiency and innovation.
Capterra’s study revealed that 81% expressed interest in residing in a smarter city model once it was explained.
The increased commodity and convenience of these cities may be an allure to UK residents.
Smart cities deliver different services that can cater to citizen needs and that businesses should try to incorporate where possible. These include:
- Smart mobility services, such as shared mobility schemes or recharging stations.
- Smart payment services such as contactless payments and digital wallets.
- Smart energy services, like smart meters, that can help monitor and reduce electricity and water consumption.
- Smart security that can help protect citizens. These include sensors, scanners, acoustic and video surveillance, and biometrics.
The technology driving smart cities
However, when diving deeper into the technological foundations of a smart city, the study identified artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and biometrics as the key drivers of smart city evolution.
What do these technologies provide that makes them so prominent?
5G technology: 54% of respondents to Capterra’s survey indicated the presence of 5G in their cities. The importance of this technology lies in providing faster, more reliable connectivity; a cornerstone for various smart services such as smart mobility, payments, security and energy.
AI: 42% of respondents identified the presence of this technology in their cities. AI plays a crucial role in making cities smarter.
AI offers a versatile set of tools, from predictive maintenance and energy pattern analysis to citizen engagement via conversational interfaces. For businesses, this translates into opportunities for cost-saving through automated updates and improved communication via chatbots.
IoT: IoT, which 37% of respondents noticed was already available in their city, forms a vital part of the smart city ecosystem. Businesses can leverage IoT devices to collect and monitor data on various aspects, allowing them to streamline operations, offer personalised services and improve resource management.
Biometric technology: With 35% of respondents saying it exists in their cities, biometric technology introduces a layer of security and convenience.
Businesses can utilise biometrics, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, for secure access control and payment authentication. However, they must carefully address privacy concerns and comply with GDPR.
How businesses can address smart city challenges and citizen concerns
While the promise of smart cities is compelling, there are challenges that businesses need to navigate. The lack of data protection (62%), increased surveillance (49%) and concerns about the loss of human touch (42%) are highlighted by respondents as significant hurdles towards smart city development.
Additionally, information sharing is key to making a smart city work. Addressing these concerns is pivotal for businesses aiming to actively participate in the smart city ecosystem.
The importance of building trust and ensuring data protection
To foster trust and encourage data sharing, businesses in smart cities should prioritise data protection. Limiting personal data sharing with other companies, investing in robust cybersecurity and insisting on transparent data processing are vital steps.
The survey indicates that over half of respondents want companies to allocate more resources to cybersecurity measures.
Additionally, citizens’ willingness to share information is contingent on clear communication. Explaining the purpose of data collection and how it will contribute to better, more efficient, sustainable, accessible or personalised services can go a long way in gaining public trust.
Encouraging citizen participation is key in smart cities
Smart city success hinges on active citizen participation. But what measures should be taken to enable digital inclusion and allow everyone to enjoy the benefits of smart cities?
Nearly half of the survey respondents (47%) expressed a desire for free training resources to navigate the digital tools encountered. 43% said affordable access to apps is needed to allow everyone to enjoy the benefits of these technologies.
Additionally, businesses should provide user-friendly websites and interfaces, highlighted by 37% of respondents as an important step towards inclusivity. Along with these websites, businesses should ensure there are channels for interactions between consumers and brands, as requested by 36% of respondents.
Tackling these issues can help create a roadmap to smart city success
As the technological landscape continues to evolve, businesses play a pivotal role in shaping the urban environments of the future.
The integration of 5G, AI, IoT and biometrics offers unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, sustainability and citizen engagement. However, these advantages come with challenges, particularly related to data protection and surveillance.
In navigating these challenges, businesses must prioritise transparency, cybersecurity, and inclusivity. The journey toward smarter, more connected urban environments is not just about technology; it’s about building trust and ensuring that citizens are active participants in the evolution of their cities.
By addressing these challenges, businesses can leverage technology effectively while fostering a collaborative and citizen-centric approach to smart city development.
Eduardo Garcia Rodriguez
Content analyst
Capterra
