Smart Urban Transformation: Safer and More Comfortable

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, there has been an urgent need for “smart technologies” to address the needs of citizens and IDPs. The most popular are mobility, energy efficiency, security, accessibility of infrastructure, and administrative services.

The introduction of smart technologies in our new realities is only gaining relevance. They can help ensure public safety, effective interaction, and service delivery remotely. There are such services as:

• centralized operational notification of an air-raid alert;
• information-sharing applications such as ePPO, which helps the Armed Forces to repel the enemy;
• solutions in power supply and energy saving to avoid blackouts due to shelling of energy infrastructure;
• solutions in documenting war crimes like RWC - #RussianWarCrimes or EyeWitness; 
• financial technologies — electronic payment systems and digital assets;
• the use of drones, robots, and self-propelled machines in agriculture, especially considering the mining;
• remote equipment monitoring systems that allow managing processes without interrupting, even if it is impossible to be present there, etc;
• electronic tools that enable the registration of applications for housing, such as special online forms on the websites of city councils or the national resource IGOV;
• e-services or e-tools related to social services, such as the Svoi chatbot;
• tools for filing complaints, appeals, or petitions, such as the Open City and Local Petitions services on the E-Dem platform;
• services for electronic registration to schools and preschools.

Administration or other public services provided to citizens in electronic form are not only convenient for the authorities and residents, but also help reduce corruption risks. So, the Transparent Cities program always draws attention to them and encourages cities to implement smart technologies in their practices.

What are smart technologies of a modern city?

The idea of a smart city is generally simple: people live in it safely and comfortably, the business ecosystem has the conditions for development, and the city authorities functions transparently and efficiently. 

Modern technologies that integrate urban infrastructure, people, and city life into a global digital system and automate urban management processes make cities smart. 

Another important component is the availability of information that is used to manage urban processes to improve the quality of life. Transmitters and sensor systems are used to collect such data in real-time. They collect information from residents and devices in infrastructure facilities. 

Continuous monitoring and analysis of data allows identifying and solving problems, controlling and improving processes that were previously managed manually.

According to the given definition by the European Commission, a smart city is primarily characterized by: 

• “smart” urban transport networks;
• upgraded water supply and waste disposal facilities;
• more efficient ways to light and heat buildings;
• a more interactive and responsive city administration;
• safer public places. 

Benefits of transforming into a “smart” city

Technology is a tool, and the effectiveness of any initiative directly depends on its correct and appropriate use. Therefore, any project to implement smart solutions should begin by researching the problem and developing a strategy for building a smart city that is holistic, multifaceted, and primarily focused on residents and their needs. 

The benefits of implementing well-considered and planned smart solutions include the following:

• Cost savings. The use of smart technologies for process automation, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence to collect, share, and work with data improves the efficiency of operations in the public and commercial sectors, resulting in cost savings. For example, Barcelona has saved more than EUR 75 million by implementing smart water supply, lighting, etc. 
• Solving environmental problems. Equipping the city with sensors and cameras makes it possible to measure air quality, noise, temperature, water levels in streets and gutters, etc., and use the data to implement smart solutions. For instance, in Xi'an, China, where the air is polluted by thermal power plants, a 100-meter tower has been installed to clean the air within a radius of 10 km.  
• Strengthening security. Security is a priority for all cities. Surveillance cameras equipped with facial recognition, motion and smoke detectors, and fire alarms allow municipalities to better monitor the safety of residents. Today in London, often called the world capital of video surveillance, there is one video surveillance camera for every 13 people.
• The introduction of AI-based systems can be used to monitor road conditions in real-time. This helps to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion, as well as inform city residents about the traffic situation for better orientation. South Korea is implementing an AI-based traffic forecasting solution that combines adaptive traffic signals with a variety of other data, including traffic volume, risks, congestion, and incidents, to help drivers predict traffic conditions and adjust their routes.
• Increased trust in the authorities. Establishing channels for two-way communication between the public and local institutions allows not only informing the public but also allowing residents to be heard; promptly collecting information from them about city problems and needs, involving them in voting and selecting projects to improve the city's life. All this contributes to improved social ties, greater engagement of residents in city processes, and stronger community cohesion.

From words to concepts

Well-designed and managed smart infrastructure contributes to efficient and sustainable urban management. Modern Internet technologies and platforms, sensor networks, and mobile services are key components for the implementation of such projects. 

To maximize the impact of smart solutions, responsible planning of city development and a clear and transparent city management policy are required. Follow the recommendations below:

• Start with a clear vision of where you want to go and how you want to get there. Simply copying successful solutions of other cities will not bring the desired effect. Every city is unique, so it is necessary to clearly define your goals based on the needs of your community, set a budget, and plan a project.
• Engage all stakeholders in decision-making. Government decisions should be transparent and effective. It is important to engage experts, the community, media, business, etc. in project development.
• Think beyond the box, but start small. Don't try to do everything at once unless you have unlimited resources. Creating a smart city is a costly endeavor that fully justifies itself if done gradually and rationally. Start with a small pilot project and gradually scale up initiatives.
• Collaborate with businesses. Since the implementation of smart solutions is based on technology, you should enlist the support of reliable and experienced businesses that specialize in the technologies chosen for the project. Thus, the operation of technologies and the high-quality implementation of the technical side of the project can be guaranteed.

Smart cities in Ukraine: what innovations are being implemented

Usually, examples of smart cities are Western megalopolises. In Ukraine, the concepts for the development of such cities began to be implemented in 2015. In most cases, our cities are still using only certain aspects of building smart infrastructure, but in general, we have made significant progress in the overall digitalization and automation of processes. 

Kyiv — Kyiv Smart City platform is being implemented, which combines information and interaction services with the city authorities, e-democracy services (petitions, polls), administrative and utility services, driver services, access to information on air pollution and radiation background, etc. The city is also implementing the Safe City program to install video surveillance cameras. According to 2021 data, Kyiv is ranked 82^nd in the world's Smart City Index.

Ternopil is implementing the Open City project, which has already been joined by more than 100 Ukrainian cities. It was created to interact with citizens, local authorities, utilities, public associations, charitable foundations, and businesses to identify and solve pressing community problems. In 2020, at the Smart City Awards, the city won the Most Energy Efficient nomination, and you can learn more about its achievements in the smart city field here. 

Drohobych — 36 smart city services are already in operation here, ranging from online doctor appointments and air pollution checks to real-time monitoring of public transport traffic, verification of officials' and council members' declarations and electronic petitions, etc.

The Transparent Cities program covered more about Ukrainian cities implementing smart solutions during a full-scale war in the material “Not by Diya alone: what e-services do Ukrainian cities provide.”

Innovations and new ideas to solve old problems help make life better. Smart solutions not only increase comfort, but also security in cities, which is crucial during a full-scale war and in the future for successful post-war recovery.