A smart city is an intelligent city that integrates digital technologies into its networks, services and infrastructure making it more efficient and livable for the benefit of its inhabitants and business.
According to the European Commission, smart city means:
- Smart urban transportation networks
- Upgraded water supply and waste disposal facilities
- More efficient ways to light and heat buildings
- More interactive and responsive city administration
- Safer public spaces
In other words, a smart and sustainable city uses information and communication technologies (ICTs) to improve quality of life, efficiency and competitiveness, while ensuring that it meets the needs of present and future generations.
According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the smart city definition includes elements such as widespread home connectivity and Wi-Fi in public areas, intelligent infrastructure, smart electricity meters, open data, and e-government.