The concept of Smart Cities is a construct in which to frame local government transformation. Cities need to transform in order to develop sustainably, improve resilience, meet citizens’ rising expectations, and attract investment, new businesses, and talent. This is a complex undertaking, especially when coupled with constrained financial resources, fast-growing populations, and aging (or limited) infrastructure. As a result, Smart City leaders are looking to invest in solutions that provide clear benefits and return on investment. Smart City business issues are driving investment in emerging technologies such as Big Data and analytics, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and mobile solutions in departments and citywide and often with national government support. Smart City solutions leverage ICT not only to deliver higher-quality services more efficiently but also to realize significant operational cost savings and effect behavior change in government workers, city businesses, and the community. IDC helps city leaders manage this complexity, and reduce risks and costs, by ensuring investments are tied to measurable benefits and use best practices for more successful implementations. IDC Government Insights’ Smart Cities Strategies research analyzes the role of ICT in improving services delivery in public safety, transportation, and public works; in fostering innovation and civic engagement; and in building successful business models for the evolution of a Smart City. IDC Government Insights’ global team of analysts provides best practice case studies and objective third-party assessments of Smart City solution providers.
Approach
The Smart Cities Strategies research advisory service analyzes how cities, counties, and state and national governments, along with a broad ecosystem of partners, are leveraging technology to improve urban operations and better serve residents and the community. The continuing evolution of cities along IDC’s Smart City Maturity Model, the creation of new partnerships and funding models, and the use of innovative ….
READ FULL ARTICLE | Source: IDC Government Insights: Smart Cities Strategies
