This document discusses smart city concepts and policies from several international organizations. It summarizes that smart cities use ICT to improve resource efficiency and quality of life. They are well-performing in 6 areas: economy, governance, environment, mobility, living, and social capital. The UNECE aims to promote smart city solutions for transition countries through networking and pilot projects. ISO standards support sustainable development at the city level. The EU Innovation Partnership focuses on sustainable mobility, infrastructure, and decision-making. Regional examples of smart city initiatives are also provided.

1. BUF Smart City
concept
BUF Working Group Meeting,
Tartu, Estonia
Björn Grönholm
UBC EnvCom

2. The smart city model
“Smart cities use information and communication technologies (ICT) to be more intelligent and
efficient in the use of resources, resulting in cost and energy savings, improved service delivery
and quality of life, and reduced environmental footprint-all supporting innovation and the lowcarbon economy.”
A Smart City is a city well performing in 6 characteristics:
- Economy (Competitiveness)
- Governance (Participation)
- Environment (Natural resources)
- Mobility (Transport and ICT)
- Smart Living (Quality of life)
- People (Social and Human Capital)
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3. “Smart cities” in policies
UN Economic Commission for Europe
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Smart cities – one of the priority topics for the countries according to the survey of
opinions of UNECE member States (Nov 2012)
Smart cities concept is well developed in Western Europe and USA however the concept
cannot be easily applied in cities in transition countries
therefore UNECE aims to undertake actions demonstrating the conceptual and practical
adaptability of “smart cities” to the socio-economic conditions of transition countries and
promote technological and social cost-effective solutions
HOW?: through establishing a wider network of municipalities interested to promote the
concept with a focus on transition countries, bridging with activities in Europe and
Northern America, and Pilot projects and regular events (proposed for 2014-2015):
- Workshop on climate neutral social housing – 4-5 February 2014, Geneva
- Land Information systems for smart cities – 8-9 May 2014, Geneva; as a part of
Geospatial World Forum
- Smart city – Vienna, Fall 2014
- A proposal from a regional Council of Baltic Sea project for partnership
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4. “Smart cities” in policies
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
Central Secretariat
"Smart cities' are needed to safeguard their inhabitants' rights to a liveable, sustainable
environment. When people live in close proximity, everyone and everything must work together.
That’s where ISO comes in" - ISO Secretary-General Rob Steele.
ISO standards
- used to tackle urban challenges by supporting sustainable development;
- at a micro-level, provide requirements for monitoring technical and functional
performance;
- take into account good business practice and optimal management of resources, while
helping to monitor and thus reduce environmental impact;
- drawn by governments, municipalities and the public at large to meet the needs of city
dwellers in a fast-paced and rapidly urbanizing world.
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5. “Smart cities” in policies
EU Innovation Partnership on Smart Cities
and Communities (EIP-SCC)
The Partnership follows the Smart Cities and Communities Initiative which was launched in 2011.
This initiative initially only covered energy and had a budget of € 81 Million. It grew to € 365
Million and extended to include the transport and ICT sector with the launch of the Partnership in
July 2012.
High Level Group
(representatives from industry,
research and cities)
Smart Cities Stakeholder Platform
(collaborative, networking and knowledge
sharing tool)
Strategic Implementation Plan:
(vertically)
• Sustainable Urban Mobility
• Sustainable Districts and Built Environment
• Integrated Infrastructures and processes across Energy, ICT and Transport
(horizontally) : Decisions, Insight, and Financing
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6. “Smart cities” in policies
Regional and local examples
• Covenant of Mayors – The Baltic Sea Region Covenant Club
• Green Digital Charter signatories
• Danish Smart Cities
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Turku
Riga
Tallinn
Tartu…
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