Our Urban Innovation Policy Lab at Edinburgh Napier University has a team of experts dedicated to creating more sustainable urban futures across the globe. Through multidisciplinary research that bridges urban science with technology and innovation studies, the Lab advances both theoretical and practical knowledge in urban innovation, with a particular focus on smart city transitions.

Problem

Cities and urban communities across the globe can face a skills gap and challenges in smart city governance, including integrating advanced technologies, engaging citizens, and achieving sustainability. Addressing these challenges strategically and collaboratively can help municipalities worldwide to harness digital technologies to create more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments for cities and communities. 

Solution

The United Nations commissioned researchers from Edinburgh Napier University to work collaboratively and undertake a global study to gather data and develop recommendations into a resource that can be given to public sector leaders in cities and towns worldwide so that they can enhance efficiencies in their smart city governance.

A United Nations ‘playbook’ to support smart city transformations worldwide 

Advancements in digital technologies present numerous opportunities for leaders of local and municipal governments worldwide and could potentially revolutionise the quality of life for citizens who live and work in urban areas.

Recognising there is knowledge gap in many municipalities across the globe for advancing smart city projects, the United Nations commissioned researchers from Edinburgh Napier to develop and launch a resource to support city and urban leaders in progressing smart city governance with the integration of digital innovations.

The ‘Managing Smart City Governance Playbook’ is based on a review of existing evidence, a survey of local government leaders from 250 municipalities across five continents, and interviews with 131 experts from 37 different countries. The findings are then split into three pillars: strategy, collaborative ecosystem and technology.

An inclusive & global collaborative approach to sustainable, urban development

Launched in 2023 at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, the Playbook is described as a resource of practical recommendations to improve urban life with the use of cutting-edge technologies. The Playbook offers practical guidance to local and regional governments leading smart city projects. Existing examples include real-time monitoring of traffic data, and online platforms to enhance civic participation.

As well as Edinburgh Napier, the Playbook was jointly produced by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, and Tallinn University of Technology.

To date, the playbook has received positive feedback from many municipalities that are exploring the recommendations that were offered in the report.