Keep up with the surging population

People continue to flock to cities for several reasons, such as employment opportunities, lifestyle, and more. Yet, there is often a paradox insofar as cities also display some of the highest levels of social exclusion, unemployment and income disparity, and cities are also confronted by issues such as crime, traffic congestion or pollution. Nevertheless, cities population is growing both in Europe and the US.

Eurostat reports that in 2015 17,8% of the EU’s total population live in a functional urban area belonging to one of the 20 largest cities, while their population growth ranges from 0,2% to 3,1%. Also, the latest U.S. Census Bureau data showed that all but one of the 20 largest cities in the U.S. experienced population growth in 2015 and 2016.

Finally, United Nations in 2014 reported the percentage of population living in cities per regions:

• North America: 82%
• South America: 79%
• Europe: 74%
• Asia-Pacific: 48%
• Africa: 40%

Make Cities More Efficient

As the migration of the world’s population from rural to urban areas continues, cities will need to become more efficient in order to keep up with the surging population. Thus, smart cities will start to become the norm in the major metropolitan areas of the world.

But what is a smart city? Quite simply, smart cities use Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as connected sensors, lights, and meters to collect and analyze data. The cities then use this data to improve infrastructure, public utilities and services, and more. The potential of smart cities is nearly limitless, and the growth of these cities should only accelerate in the coming years.

Smart City Use Cases

• Climate: track greenhouse gas emissions and monetize reductions with Carbon Pricing Instruments
• Smart Lighting
• Transportation
• Smart Parking
• Waste Management
• Waste Water Management
• Connected Citizen

Smart City Business Objectives

• Improve infrastructure and make existing infrastructure more scalable
• Create more efficient and cost effective municipal city services
• Enhance public transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and improve quality of life
• Keep citizens safe and engaged in their community
• Foster higher education and local technology and job opportunity
• Enable sustainable economic growth