UK cities are implementing advanced noise detection systems to enhance emergency response times and potentially save more lives
Author | Elvira Esparza Sound detectors trigger instant alerts upon identifying unusual acoustic signals, such as gunshots or cries for help. This enables emergency services to respond more rapidly while simultaneously enhancing public safety in smart cities and high-risk environments. Their use is being expanded in select cities to enhance public safety and security. These […]
Biofuel for the aeronautical industry: What are the pros, cons, and impact on cities?
Author | Lucía Burbano Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is widely regarded as the most realistic alternative for decarbonizing the aviation sector, which is responsible for 12% of CO2 emissions in transportation and 2% of global CO2 emissions. The construction of biofuel production plants is becoming increasingly common in the aeronautical sector, presenting both potential solutions […]
Empty offices are costing cities a fortune (and how some are fighting to change this disastrous situation)
Author | Elvira Esparza Mandatory remote working imposed by COVID in 2020 continues to leave a lasting impact on office spaces. Although in-person and hybrid working models have resumed, office occupancy levels remain significantly below those seen prior to the pandemic. Empty offices are projected to continue inflicting significant economic losses on cities. The solution […]
Oceanix in Busan, the world’s first prototype of a resilient and sustainable floating community
Author | Lucía Burbano The world’s rising sea levels have highlighted the urgent need for innovative urban models to address the vulnerabilities faced by 90% of megacities, according to UN Habitat. Climate change, driving rising sea levels that endanger coastal cities, could displace approximately 200 million people annually until 2050. In this scenario, the future […]
AI Approaches for City Management
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising how cities manage operations, optimise resources, and engage with residents. By embracing AI, municipalities can enhance transparency, foster collaboration, and drive innovation to address complex urban challenges. Across Europe, cities have adopted diverse strategies to integrate AI into their administrative structures, from prioritising trust and transparency to building collaborative ecosystems and pursuing centralised innovation. Here’s how leading cities are creating smarter, more adaptive urban systems.
What does it take to be the happiest city in the world?
A city’s happiness goes hand in hand, of course, with the happiness of its residents. But, what does it depend on? How can a city contribute to the wellbeing and satisfaction of the community that lives in it?
Will We Live Better?
Please note that this video is in Spanish and does not include subtitles. Barcelona Connection, Fira de Barcelona’s podcast, visited the 2024 Smart City Expo World Congress, the event that brings together thousands of people seeking solutions to the future challenges faced by cities. Throughout this videopodcast you’ll see and hear from experts answering […]
AI and small countries: How Rwanda and Singapore aim to achieve remarkable results despite their limited geographic size
Author | Raquel C. Pico Despite the numerous potential benefits of artificial intelligence, not all economies and market players are on equal footing in the race to harness its potential. The playing field is far from level: only a handful of countries, and within them a select group of companies, lead the development of AI, […]
Tallinn, Estonia, wants to replace landfilling with circular economy
Author | Elvira Esparza Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, beyond its historical charm, Tallinn is also deeply committed to environmental sustainability, a dedication that earned it the title of European Green Capital in 2023. Tallinn earned this recognition […]
Mobility Insights: Asta Kazlauskienė on Lithuania’s Ecosystem
