In May 2016 The EIU conducted a survey of 1,950 citizens and 615 business executives in 12 cities to find out how digital technologies are already improving city services. For more information visit: http://empoweringcities.eiu.com/

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With goods, services and entertainment just a click away, people
now want the same direct, real-time interaction with their
government—putting city officials under pressure to engage quickly
via digital channels. In order to assess the progress of cities towards
adopting smart technologies, The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), on
behalf of Philips Lighting, is bringing together the views of citizens,
businesses, government leaders and experts, recognizing that the
participation of all stakeholders is needed to realize the potential of
the smart city. This infographic represents the key findings from a
survey of citizens and businesses in 12 smart cities around the world.
Harnessing digital technology to empower stakeholders
EMPOWERING CITIES
Citizens are hungry for more ways to interact with their cities
What are citizens asking from their government?
Citizens are also surprisingly willing to share their personal data for:
Over half of them
say they would
like to do so
Almost one-third are
currently providing
feedback to local authorities
Wider access to digital
platforms would
enable them to
communicate with
the government
Digital information
about utility use would
encourage them to
alter consumption
patterns
improvements to traffic congestion improvements to emergency
services and reduced crime
51%
37%39%
Business is a willing partner for smart city initiatives
of executives
say that improved digital
communications channels would
encourage them to provide cities
with feedback on urban conditions
52%
want the government to do more to
engage business in public
decision-making around improvements
to urban infrastructure and services
believe that it should be investing more
heavily in digital technologies that
enable businesses to play a role in
urban improvements
63%
attracts top talent to a city
offers bottom-line benefits
Businesses see benefits to
living in a smart city as it
53%
43%
32%
Businesses
36%
36% 25%
31% 31% 26%
26%
21%
21% 22%
25%
24%
Past 3 years
Next 3 years
What digital tools citizens and business are using
social media
For citizens to participate
in the evolution of city
services, digital tools allowing
them to communicate with
government will be critical
of businesses say that
improved digital
communications channels
would encourage them
to provide cities with
feedback on
urban conditions
44%
e-mail
42%
Government
websites
27%
52%
Citizens
@
Digital technologies are already improving city services
58%
63%
57%51%51%
Telecommuni-
cation, as well as
social services
Transportation Transportation
Emergency and
crime prevention,
as well as social
services
Pollution reduction
and environmental
sustainability
Telecommuni-
cation
services
Telecommuni-
cation
services
e-government
services
Telecommuni-
cation
services
Social servicesTransportation
e-government
services