Storia e futuro del concetto di Smart City. Che cos’è veramente una città intelligente?

Summary

The concept of smart cities has evolved from a focus on economic growth and infrastructure to a broader vision of sustainability, adaptability, and data-driven innovation. Initially, smart cities were defined by basic tech infrastructure, but today, they aim to improve citizens' quality of life through environmental sustainability, efficient data usage, and adaptive technologies. IBM played a key role in promoting the idea, but the true essence of smart cities lies in putting people first, using technology to serve societal needs. The SMART acronym—Sustainability, Mathematics, Adaptiveness, Reachability, and Technology—offers a modern approach to achieving this vision.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of smart cities emerged in the 1980s with a focus on intelligent growth and urban planning.
• 😀 In the 1990s, cities were considered smart when they introduced functional IT infrastructure or governance mechanisms to attract tech industries.
• 😀 The first example of a smart city project was the multifunctional polis MP near Adelaide, Australia, in 1994, although it was abolished in 1998.
• 😀 IBM is credited with popularizing the term 'smart city' and registered the trademark 'smarter city' in 2008 during a global financial crisis.
• 😀 IBM's CEO, Sam Palmisano, presented the vision for smarter cities during a speech on how cities should become more sustainable and economically efficient.
• 😀 IBM launched two major projects in Singapore and Rio de Janeiro, offering pro bono consultancy to 100 cities worldwide to help them become smarter.
• 😀 Some critics viewed IBM’s vision of smart cities as dystopian, reminiscent of George Orwell’s '1984,' where people are passive recipients of change.
• 😀 The script proposes a new interpretation of 'smart city' as an acronym with the following principles: Sustainable, Mathematical, Adaptive, Reachable.
• 😀 Sustainability in smart cities should not only focus on environmental and resource issues but also require economically viable business models for financing technological investments.
• 😀 Smart cities rely heavily on data and sensor networks, which help improve citizens' lives by making services like parking and navigation more efficient.
• 😀 Adaptive cities should evolve alongside technological advancements, including the advent of autonomous vehicles and the rise of smart work, which could reduce the need for large metropolitan areas.

Q & A

What is the general concept of smart cities as introduced in the script?

The concept of smart cities revolves around the relationship between technology and society, where innovations are used to improve citizens' lives. The term originally emerged in the 1980s and has evolved through various phases over the years.

When did the term 'smart city' first emerge, and how was it initially defined?

The term 'smart city' first emerged in the 1980s, associated with the idea of 'smart growth' or 'smart growth strategies' in urban planning. In the 1990s, cities were considered 'smart' when they introduced functioning ICT infrastructure or governance mechanisms aimed at attracting high-tech industries.

What was the first real example of a smart city project, and what happened to it?

The first real example was the multifunctional polis (MP) project near Adelaide, Australia, in 1994. However, it was discontinued in 1998, making it a short-lived example of a smart city.

How did IBM contribute to the development of the smart city concept?

IBM is considered to have coined the term 'smarter city' and officially registered it in November 2008. During the global financial crisis, IBM's CEO Sam Palmisano proposed the 'Smarter Planet' initiative, explaining how cities should become smarter to achieve sustainability and economic efficiency.

What were the two major projects launched by IBM under the Smarter Planet initiative?

IBM launched two major projects: one for Singapore and another for Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, they offered pro bono consultancy for 100 cities worldwide to help them transition into smart cities.

What was the general public's reaction to IBM’s vision of smart cities?

The public perception was often dystopian, drawing comparisons to George Orwell's '1984,' where people were seen as passive recipients of change rather than active participants in it.

What is the suggested new approach to understanding the concept of smart cities in the script?

The script proposes a new approach to smart cities by using 'SMART' as an acronym, emphasizing sustainability (S), mathematics and data (M), adaptability (A), and accessibility (R). This approach aims to make cities more livable and efficient while focusing on human-centered solutions.

What does the 'S' in SMART stand for, and what does it imply for smart cities?

'S' stands for sustainability, which includes not only environmental and resource sustainability but also economic sustainability. It suggests that business models are needed to finance technological investments in smart city development.

How are data and technology described in relation to the smart city concept?

Data, through systems of sensors and cameras, is seen as the primary wealth of smart cities. It should be used to benefit citizens by offering practical solutions such as easier parking, faster routes, and more efficient city services.

What is the role of adaptability in smart cities as described in the script?

Adaptability is crucial for smart cities, especially given the rapid growth of technology. Cities must be prepared to adjust to future advancements such as autonomous vehicles and smart work solutions, enabling citizens to work and live outside large metropolises.