Data has become one of the most valuable resources in the world today and is used across the board to help us better understand our environment and navigate through various challenges. Just like individuals and companies, cities and different public sectors use data to enhance the quality, performance and interactivity of urban services. Those cities are also referred to as Smart Cities. Here at the top 5 smart cities of 2021.
1. New York City
New York is a massive social and economic hub that uses data in a number of ways to improve the quality of life there.
Some examples include developing a congestion management system to improve travel time, free super-fast WiFi, using data to nudge transportation switch from cars to public transport and bikes or the automated water systems that track water consumption and quality in different areas.
2. Amsterdam – Smart city
Amsterdam has been one of the most active cities in the world in the field of Iot and data collection in urban areas.
Examples include: tracking power usage in different areas of the city and adjusting the storage based on that, dimming streets lights when there is no traffic to save energy, managing the number of tourists at one particular city highlight be recommending different locations to different groups on the official city app. It’s a top 5 in the list of smart cities for 2021.
3. Singapore
Singapore is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, hence, being smart about using space is the only way for this city-state to keep on developing and growing.
A program called Smart Nation aims to collect data and share it with different organizations in the public and private sector in order to help tackle challenges related to sustainability, traffic, resource consumption, pollution and even the ageing population. Therefore, this makes it a top 5 smart cities of 2021.
4. Seoul – One of the Smart cities over years
Data is at the heart of Seoul’s city projects. From embracing the 5G, to collecting environmental data regarding abnormal temperatures, humidity and air quality – the city has been the frontrunner in the smart cities category for nearly a decade.
Just like Singapore, ageing is a problem, hence, elderly homes are often connecting to emergency and medical services in the area, shortening the response time and, hence, saving lives.
5. Copenhagen
Big cities are often forced to find innovative solutions to their problems, however, Copenhagen stands out as a city with a rather humble population of 1.2 million people is investing heavily in staying ahead of the problems that are related to growth and expansion.
With a target of becoming CO2 neutral by 2025, Copenhagen is introducing smart waste management, traffic, public transport and public space systems in order to maintain the quality that exists today. No wonder why is one of the smart cities of 2021.
