A smart city is a place where traditional networks and services are made more efficient with the use of digital and telecommunication technologies for the benefit of its inhabitants and business.
A smart city goes beyond the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for better resource use and less emissions. It means smarter urban transport networks, upgraded water supply and waste disposal facilities and more efficient ways to light and heat buildings. It also means a more interactive and responsive city administration, safer public spaces and meeting the needs of an ageing population.
The Smart Cities Marketplace is an initiative supported by the European Commission that brings together cities, industry, small business (SMEs), banks, research and others.
It aims to improve urban life through more sustainable integrated solutions and addresses city-specific challenges from different policy areas such as energy, mobility and transport, and ICT.
It builds on the engagement of the public, industry and other interested groups to develop innovative solutions and participate in city governance.
Under the newly proposed programme Horizon Europe, the Commission has initiated a mission on ‘Climate neutral and smart cities’, whereby support will consist of helping cities become more resilient and smarter by empowering citizens in digital social innovation and in policy making and blending together best practices with technology components (large-scale, cross-border, standardised solutions and digital infrastructure).
The European Commission proposal for the Digital Europe Programme includes among its activities the large-scale deployment of interoperable solutions for cities and communities that will have tested satisfactorily under H2020.
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