DECEMBER 2020CIOAPPLICATIONSEUROPE.COM9The key to many innovative solutions rests, in particular, on cross-sector data platforms and IoT networks, customer-oriented and transparent administrative processes, as well as additional services provided by municipal companies and new partnerships between local actors and businessSmart city applications as a remedy against urban air pollutionNitrogen oxide pollution in cities is increasing. In 2015, 151 European cities exceeded the limit of 40 mg NO2/m3, and as a consequence, there is an increase in particulate matter, which is bringing in a heavy health burden for citizens. Cities face the concrete challenge of optimising traffic flows while reducing environmental impact.Parking plays an important role in the development of traffic, as cars are parked on average 23 hours per day. According to the Quantum 2020 study, people looking for parking account for up to 30 percent of total urban traffic. Today's parking management has considerable potential for optimisation. So-called "smart parking" applications can reduce the effects of parking-search traffic through sensor-based parking guidance systems by up to 30 percent and reduce maintenance costs and outlays. In "smart parking", sensors (ground or overhead) collect parking space data in real time and forward it to a cloud-based data exchange platform. An application on the driver's smart phone retrieves the data from the platform and navigates to a free parking space. With the help of such applications, not only can NO2 and CO2 emissions be reduced, but higher parking revenues can also be generated by a demand-oriented fee model. As part of a smart city strategy, the parking application thus combines both sustainability and economic goals. Global trendsIn a global comparison, there are very contradictory approaches to the implementation of smart city concepts. Due to different challenges, such as rapid population growth, it is primarily cities in Asia that have to react quickly and efficiently to the changing conditions."Virtual Singapore" is the example of a city that needs to respond to its strong growth in the shortest possible time. The city state has about five million inhabitants. Measuring digital data with the help of sensors and cameras, the "Virtual Singapore" project summarises the movements of city dwellers and evaluates them for further development scenarios. This project is the world's largest data collection for a city. At present, it is not yet clearly defined which service offers should be generated from this for city residents. In addition, social aspects in the private sphere, such as care of elderly people living alone, are taken into account, by monitoring with the help of sensors, as well as the more efficient organisation of public administration structure. OutlookSmart city concepts and technologies will no longer be separable from the built urban structure in the future. In order to develop smart cities sustainably, first it is important to consider the (analogous) challenges and urban development goals. Based on this, the existing potential and the need for action on digital applications should be deduced. Each city is individual and, must be considered individually in the process of transformation towards a smart city. Especially in the European cities, a top-down approach will not work. Transparent public participation and new forms of cooperation between city administrations and companies are crucial for further development of a city.
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