New books from URENIO Research

Posted at 27 July 2019 in Intelligent Cities / Smart Cities

Two new books based on URENIO Research projects and scientific collaboration are under publication.

Smart Cities and Connected Intelligence is about digital and cyber-physical platforms that enable people, institutions and machines to connect, collaborate and resolve complex problems of the 21st century. Internet and world-wide-web platforms, big data analytics, software applications, social media and civic technologies, allow for the creation of smart ecosystems in which connected intelligence emerges and disruptive, social, and eco-innovation flourish.

The focus of the book is on three grand challenges that matter for any territory, no matter where it is located: (a) smart growth, a path that more and more cities

African Smart Cities Summit taking place on June 11

Posted at 4 June 2019 in Intelligent Cities / Smart Cities

The African Smart Cities Summit is taking place on June 11, in the context of the African Construction Expo. The event is taking place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Cologne’s “Climate Street” to provide a model for a Digital City

Posted at 20 May 2019 in Intelligent Cities / Smart Cities

The city of Cologne, on the bank of the river Rhine, has designated a downtown street as a “Climate Street”, and it is expected to act as a living lab which will test climate-friendly technologies and make the flow of traffic more efficient. This initiative is run by the city together with the electricity company RheinEnergie.

Helsinki and Tallinn ensure funding for Smart City Research

Posted at 11 April 2019 in Intelligent Cities / Smart Cities

A funding of €15 million from the EC’s Horizon 2020 programme along with €17 million from the Estonian Government was obtained for Smart City Research in Helsinki and Tallinn. This will enable R&D teams to test and implement smart city strategies with the eventual goal of creating cross-border smart city initiatives along the EU.

Smart Cities should focus on People, not Technology

Posted at 6 March 2019 in Intelligent Cities / Smart Cities

While a lot of buzz in smart cities is about the impressive, cutting-edge technology, the crucial component which makes them smart should be the emphasis on their citizens. The technology should be invisible, seamlessly embedded in the environment to serve real human needs. If the sole focus of a smart city is the technology, then the project is doomed to fail.

University campuses are ideal mini smart cities

Posted at 28 February 2019 in Intelligent Cities / Smart Cities

Universities around the world, with the US leading the way, are taking notice of smart city developments and applying many of the same solutions. University campuses are ideal for this, as, in effect, they are mini metropolises of their own, with their own shops, roads, transport, residences, banks, and tens of thousands of visitors every day.

10 Economic Benefits of Smart Cities

Posted at 13 February 2019 in Intelligent Cities / Smart Cities

The cutting edge technological innovations which make smart cities what they are require sizeable economic investments on behalf of the city, region or country. As with all investments, if smart city initiatives do not return any tangible value, they represent money going down the drain. With the way economies work, technological development or benefits to citizens might not be enough to sustain the continuous advancement of smart cities if they come at a great financial loss. Fortunately, the successful implementation of smart city initiatives comes with many economic benefits.