In parallel, the momentum behind the development of smart or future cities continues to grow as UK cities look to exploit technology to address their social, economic, and environmental
challenges. This interest in technology is accompanied by programmes for innovation in governance and process that will embed innovation at the heart of city policy.

The commitment of UK cities to innovation and service improvement is reflected in the expansion of this report to cover 20 cities at various stages of maturity in the development and execution of their smart city vision.

The research for this report identifies five key developments:

• Bridging the gap between smart city programmes and strategic city priorities: Cities are building the links that will embed digital innovation in frontline services.
• Supporting the emergence of city platforms: More cohesive strategies are being developed for the deployment of new technologies, including big data analytics and citywide Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.
• Strengthening regional perspectives: As the extended scope of smart cities is recognised, smart city programmes are developing collaboration networks across combined authorities, county authorities, and regional agencies.
• Expanding the partner ecosystems needed to deliver a smart city vision: The increasingly important role that local universities are playing in shaping and developing urban innovation programs is one notable development.
• Developing more integrated approaches to city issues: A growing number of projects recognise the interconnection between transport, health, energy, and housing, for example, and the need to assess the impact of innovations across these traditional siloes.