Domains and basic elements of a smart city

The European Commission believes that the main segments on which a smart city must be based are transport, the economy, the environment, the quality of life of citizens and governance.

The first megacities located in developed countries had sufficient infrastructure and resources to meet the needs of their citizens, but the vast majority of cities that have emerged in recent decades are located in developing countries.

The most common problems faced by such large-scale urban expansion are urban pressure, insufficient infrastructure, economic competition and environmental problems.

The concept of smart cities aims to solve the problems faced by large urban agglomerations and ensure a high standard of living for citizens.

Therefore, expectations for smart cities must include: access to quality education, utility services through modern infrastructure, citizens’ access to information on responsible consumption of electricity, water and gas, access to quality healthcare, including through online systems , adequate public transport and accessible road infrastructure, prices of products and services linked to citizens’ incomes, opportunities for integration into the labor market, ensuring high standards of public safety.

According to the European Economic and Social Committee, to become smart, a city must focus its development process on 6 fundamental pillars:

• Technologies and tools for improving energy efficiency and integrating renewable energy resources.
• Large-scale implementation of information and communication technologies.
• Platforms for digital service systems.
• Sustainable economy models to stimulate investment.
• Sustainable redesign of urban infrastructures.
• Standard implementation to ensure interoperability between infrastructures.