Trend Report Panel Discussion (21 May): Operating smarter: using digital twins and AI to reshape urban infrastructure management

Discover how AI-powered digital twins are transforming urban infrastructure and how these innovations can improve efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.

Trend Report Webinar (19 May): How AI and data are transforming transport operations and services

Explore how data and AI is being used in urban transport networks to support planning, day-to-day operations, and improve outcomes for communities and passengers.

SmartCitiesWorld Summit 2026: connecting climate action, resilience and urban innovation

As cities confront the combined pressures of climate change, infrastructure resilience and digital transformation, the SmartCitiesWorld Summit 2026 will bring together urban leaders and partners during London Climate Action Week to explore how these agendas intersect – and how cities can translate strategy into practical action.

How AI cities shape Malaysia’s digital future – and the role of the region’s first Smart City ExpoSponsored by Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur

Discover how Malaysia is leading the way in AI-powered urban innovation at the first Southeast Asian Smart City Expo in Kuala Lumpur.

Smart Cities Reports

SmartCitiesWorld City Profile – Sunderland

Find out how Sunderland is repositioning itself as a leading smart city – using digital infrastructure and low-carbon innovation to build a resilient, future-focused economy in the latest SmartCitiesWorld City Profile.

SmartCitiesWorld City Profile – Dublin

Find out how Dublin is innovating to improve experiences and services for its communities in the latest SmartCitiesWorld City Profile, including digital twin projects, traffic reduction, and economic growth.

Podcasts

How cities can own their data and their future with sovereign AISponsored by PNY Technologies

Tune into the SmartCitiesWorld podcast to understand the world of sovereign AI for cities, featuring PNY Technologies’ Youssef Nadiri as our expert guest.

Urban Exchange Podcast Episode 32 – Flood and energy resilience in Quezon City

Tune in for the latest Urban Exchange where we get a first-hand account of city resilience measures from Quezon City following unexpected extreme rainfall.

Opinions

Transforming indoor public safety with smart sensor networksSponsored by Motorola Solutions

How smart sensor networks can help improve indoor safety by detecting risks early, improving situational awareness and supporting healthier, more secure and sustainable buildings.

How AI will define cities and mobility in 2026Sponsored by ST Engineering

Gareth Tang, President of Urban Solutions at ST Engineering, explains how urban AI applications are set to evolve, detailing projects where AI is already making significant impact.

Home | Smart Cities News

Smart Cities News

Baltic Sea digital twin to be developed by Latvia

News26 Nov 2021

The Baltic Sea digital twin is expected to provide a simulated environment where it will be possible to model the effects that human activity has on the sea.

Energy data-sharing beta test aims to help the UK move to net zero

Data privacy and security06 Jul 2021

Open Energy’s goal is to make energy data sharing radically easier, giving users access to energy data held by thousands of organisations and institutions across the UK.

Dublin to host AI-powered e-scooter research project

News15 Apr 2021

It will operate on Dublin City University campuses and aims to improve e-scooter safety and explore smart city use cases for computer vision-equipped micro-mobility vehicles.

New guide for city leaders to help strengthen cross-sector partnerships

News02 Nov 2020

The Collaborative Cities guide is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ efforts to support global municipal leaders who can adapt these lessons to their own challenges and circumstances.

Twin Cities seek citizen input for electric vehicle network

News06 Oct 2020

Saint Paul and Minneapolis in the US state of Minnesota have joined forces to develop the mobility network comprising charging hubs on public roadways and a fleet of car-share vehicles.

Lebanese wastewater solution wins global tech innovation contest

News01 Oct 2020

The IoT-based solution treats wastewater on-site, negating the need to transport waste and recycled water and uses a series of water tanks that imitate aquatic habitats found in nature.

SBF and IMDA renew commitment to drive digital transformation

News23 Sep 2020

Digital transformation "key" to remaining relevant and competitive in Covid-19 era.

The emergence of independent smart city contractors

Career Building14 Sep 2020

Increasing numbers of people are making the choice to strike out on their own. With the right mindset and expectations, it can prove a win-win for the individuals choosing this new career path and the organisations that hire them.

Smart cities are only as good as their connectivity

Opinions10 Aug 2020

The promise of smart cities needs a strong network to back it up, writes Jamie Hayes, Mobile Network Operators Director, BT Wholesale.

Robots can deliver smart policing in the post Covid-19 reality

Opinions22 Jun 2020

Robots can play a key role assisting police forces and ensuring socially distancing support in the Covid-19 era, writes Muhammad Rahman

Why the Toronto Quayside project is a cautionary tale and a missed opportunity

Editor's Blog20 May 2020

While dogged by controversy, Toronto could have showcased exactly what a smart city could deliver, something that is important now more than ever.

City of Las Vegas invests $1.5m in intelligent transportation technology

News20 Apr 2020

SenSen Networks’ AI-based technology will initially be used to automate the enforcement of hundreds of bylaws associated with regulating traffic and parking on city streets.

UK plans regulatory “shake-up” to make way for transport tech

News02 Apr 2020

Alongside the review, the government also announced £90 million in funding for technology trials in three new ‘future transport zones’.

Uber files lawsuit against LADOT over dockless data-sharing

News25 Mar 2020

Uber claimed it has been left with little choice than to take the action but LADOT defended its data policy and lamented the “unfortunate timing".

From wargames to insurance: Cities urged to revisit resilience strategies amid ransomware “new reality”

News11 Mar 2020

A new report from Deloitte addresses whether to pay ransom, cyber-insurance, skills and more.

Uber joins privacy coalition to curb city data collection

News02 Mar 2020

Newly formed CARS says it wants to “set the record straight” about MDS programmes but LADOT called it “a disinformation campaign”.

Sidewalk Labs urged to justify digital solutions

News27 Feb 2020

A new report acknowledges the potential benefits of the digital infrastructure proposals for Waterfront Toronto but questions whether they create sufficient public benefits.

London Mayor shares “proven results” on air quality

News25 Feb 2020

NO2 exceedances fell dramatically but many sites still recorded PM2.5 levels above the recommended limit.

Zillow launches affordable housing search tool for Seattle

News20 Feb 2020

The tool aims to reduce the time it takes to manually look for available homes that are affordable and accessible.

LA wins appeal in data-sharing dispute with Uber’s Jump

News13 Feb 2020

Many cities around the world are looking for ways to benefit from dockless scooters and bikes while ensuring safety and reducing disruption. For them and mobility companies, this case is one to watch.

Businesses could challenge Portland’s proposed facial recognition ban

News12 Feb 2020

Portland recently held a working session with business representatives and civil rights groups to discuss the proposals.

Sidewalk Labs unveils digital twin and 'Lego' vision for 35-storey timber building

News10 Feb 2020

Sidewalk Labs claims 35 storeys would be the highest mass timber building so far. The team modelled how it would perform compared to a traditional concrete building of the same size.

Data ownership could unleash truly smart cities

Editor's Blog31 Jan 2020

A simple way to control personal data could foster greater trust around smart city initiatives and open up a discussion around what citizens really find valuable – an extension of participatory budgeting, giving people a say in how they ‘spend’ their data.

Hyperloop package delivery system raises £1 million

News28 Jan 2020

Magway plans to sell capacity on its underground system to online retailers and logistics companies.

Waterfront Toronto delays Sidewalk Labs decision day

News27 Jan 2020

The deadline to decide whether to move ahead with Sidewalk Labs’ smart city development proposal has been put back to May to allow more time for public consultation.

‘This is not a drill’: Barcelona and Boston are latest cities to declare climate emergency

News20 Jan 2020

Barcelona’s mayor is calling for a “paradigm shift” towards “a truly green economy", while Boston says the climate crisis represents a public health emergency.

Reinvention required to maximise on-demand mobility’s potential, says report

News15 Jan 2020

The Arthur D. Little analysis has recommendations for regulators, cities, taxi firms and ride-hailing companies, among others.

Manchester to implement counter-terrorism measures at venues ahead of national legislation

News15 Jan 2020

Martyn’s Law, if adopted by the UK government, would compel local authorities and venues to have a clear plan for terrorism threats. Manchester will roll out a voluntary scheme early.

UK watchdog bans ‘misleading’ advert claiming 5G harmful to health

News09 Jan 2020

The ad was ruled to contain unsubstantiated claims and must not run again.

Reading ranked as the best place to start and grow a business in the UK

News06 Jan 2020

High rate of start-ups and businesses, including 11,000 digital and tech firms, and its population diversity are among the factors boosting the Berkshire town’s entrepreneurial credentials.

Lawsuit launched over San Diego’s streetlight data

News20 Dec 2019

San Diego’s smart streetlight programme has generated some concerns and criticism but the city insists that privacy is paramount.

How open innovation can help make smart cities a reality

Opinions19 Dec 2019

Cities have often benefited from innovation but have not typically led the charge, says Betsy Plattenburg, executive director of Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners. But times are changing.

San Francisco’s Office of Emerging Technology gets the green light

News17 Dec 2019

Applications will be judged on whether they “ultimately result in a net common good” as well as on costs and benefits.

"European Way" initiative aims to scale digital transformation in cities

News13 Dec 2019

The European declaration will help to define the ethical, financial, legal and technical framework for digitalisation in cities and communities across Europe.

London boroughs ‘not ready for 5G’, report claims

News12 Dec 2019

According to Freedom of Information data obtained by Tech London Advocates, 31 out of 33 London boroughs have no specific strategy for enabling the rollout of 5G networks.

New South Wales deploys AI-powered cameras to detect drivers using mobile phones

News02 Dec 2019

A trial of cameras earlier this year caught over 100,000 drivers illegally using a phone.

TfL revokes Uber’s licence in London

News25 Nov 2019

TfL cited “a pattern of failures” by the taxi company, including several related to safety. Uber will appeal.

Planning consultation citizen engagement tool wins future housing pitch contest

News14 Nov 2019

The Future Fox won a start-up pitch contest focused around housing solutions at Connected Places Catapult’s CityX event yesterday in London.

Successful shared mobility in cities and beyond

Opinions08 Nov 2019

New mobility options can improve the livability of cities but without the right strategy could have the polar opposite effect, say authors Giel Mertens and Rolf Bastiaanssen of Bax & Company, and Nico Larco of the University of Oregon.

Seattle Amazon office building to house homeless shelter

News04 Nov 2019

The Mary’s Place Family Center in The Regrade shelter is scheduled to open in early 2020.

Smart cities must be accessible by design

Special Reports01 Nov 2019

While technology can help improve life in cities for people with disabilities, there’s a risk that without adequate oversight and appropriate input, it could widen inequality. Three city leaders share their ideas!

Podcast: The central role of cities in the sharing economy, with Chelsea Rustrum

Smart Cities News30 Oct 2019

There’s a big opportunity for cities to better harness the sharing economy to achieve municipal goals and give power back to the people, Rustrum says.

Interactive map shows cities' commitment to innovation

News28 Oct 2019

Report found that cities’ ability to drive innovation depends most on bold leadership, dedicated staff with the right skills, and a strong focus on data to set targets and measure outcomes.

Countering AI bias, domestic robots and detecting deep-fakes: 10 predictions for 2020 and beyond

News07 Oct 2019

Many of CCS Insight’s tech predictions have implications for citizens and the future of cities.

Sierra Leone signs charter city development deal

News02 Oct 2019

The project will integrate efficient infrastructure with transparent and effective governance, supported by the “intelligent application” of smart technology.

Cities first: How to end the shared mobility ‘tug of war’

Opinions25 Sep 2019

Scott Shepard, Chief Commercial Officer, Free2Move, highlights lessons learned in Europe and North America about how to succeed with shared mobility so that cities can leverage the best from mobility innovations and investments.

Lawsuit for City of Chicago over pedestrian signal accessibility

News24 Sep 2019

The City has stated its aim to be the most inclusive and accessible city in the US but the lawsuit notes that only 11 of Chicago’s 2,762 signalised intersections are accessible to pedestrians who are blind or have low vision.

Advisory panel issues response to Sidewalks Labs' Quayside master plan

News13 Sep 2019

Comments from Waterfront Toronto’s Digital Strategy Advisory Panel include “frustratingly abstract” and “unwieldy and repetitive”.

Landmark hearing finds use of facial recognition technology lawful

News10 Sep 2019

The High Court ruled in favour of South Wales Police in the UK to allow the continued use of automated facial recognition but the technology remains controversial.

National Climate Bank could mobilise $1 trillion for clean energy

News06 Sep 2019

The Coalition for Green Capital has published a white paper illustrating how, with just $35bn capitalisation, the bank could raise the funds from public and private investment.

Smart City Expo Atlanta announces top speakers

News04 Sep 2019

The Expo aims to redefine what it means to be a smart city and will convene mayors, CEOs, CIOs and innovators to discuss issues and share knowledge.

Smart city cybersecurity “woefully underfunded and vulnerable to attack”

News20 Aug 2019

Lack of investment in cybersecurity could jeopardise the core goals of smart cities, warns ABI Research.

Dubai approves three blockchain initiatives

News20 Aug 2019

Dubai Future Council for Blockchain event brought together various government departments and private companies with a vested interest in smart city technologies.

‘Co-ordinated’ ransomware attack hits 23 Texas government organisations

News19 Aug 2019

The majority of the impacted entities are smaller local governments.

UK's ICO investigates use of live facial recognition technology

News16 Aug 2019

The Information Commissioner’s investigation follows concerns reported in the media regarding the use of the technology in the King’s Cross area of London.

Atlanta imposes scooter and e-bike ban at night

News14 Aug 2019

Following recent fatalities, the city’s mayor said it is evident that immediate action is necessary to keep Atlanta’s residents and visitors safe.

AI, cities and climate change

Opinions08 Aug 2019

Ben Hawes explores how artificial intelligence could help cities tackle the climate crisis.

Costing the Earth: Funding city climate initiatives with green banks

Special Reports02 Aug 2019

Green banks are on the rise as cities look for ways to fund essential work to prevent climate change and its effects.

City Lights: Laura Robertson-Collins, Climate Champion, Liverpool

City Lights30 Jul 2019

Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool’s first ’Climate Champion’, talks to SmartCitiesWorld about her new role and its remit.

US mayors approve resiliency resolution

News28 Jul 2019

Resolution urges adoption of fault-tolerant technology solutions for data centres and edge computing facilities to protect public and private data.

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