Research report: Developing smarter, more resilient cities

Cities around the world are confronting an increasingly volatile mix of environmental, technological, and social pressures. Simultaneously, digital transformation is reshaping the way cities operate, manage services, and engage with citizens. In this context, resilience is no longer a peripheral issue – it is a central component of urban sustainability and governance.

This SmartCitiesWorld report, produced in association with infrastructure software company Bentley Systems, provides a detailed synthesis of responses from a survey of 100 city officials and smart city experts, alongside broader context from global urban policy and resilience strategies.

Case studies, including the city of Dublin’s digital twin project, and links to further information throughout on cities’ adaptation strategies, also highlight how cities can build digital skills for resilience, as well as integrate digital tools into long-term resilience planning. 

The insights in this report are structured around three main themes: 

1. Resilience priorities – the critical infrastructure systems cities are focused on strengthening.

2. Digital twin technologies in practice – the tools cities are deploying and where they see value.

3. Barriers and enablers – the constraints cities face and what’s needed to move forward.

Themes are explored through the analysis of specific findings from the survey and related to industry trends and global urban challenges.

Read the report to discover:

• How emerging tools like AI, digital twins, and edge computing are driving urban innovation
• City priorities in climate, resilience and utility systems
• How cities are innovating in transport and energy systems as cities electrify mobility and modernise grids
• How more cities are embracing systems-thinking approaches to resilience that recognise interdependencies across domains
• How operational tools – including simulation, real-time monitoring, and cybersecurity – are supporting risk management and infrastructure planning
• Key barriers to adoption for cities
• Why cities are changing their approach to ensure inclusive and secure digital governance.

Download this Research Report to discover which technologies cities are prioritising as they look to bolster resilience, and how those technologies enable governments to tackle multi-faceted challenges more simply.

When you download this insight report, we may share your data with Bentley Systems in line with our Privacy Policy, and through carefully-evaluated legitimate interest.