The document discusses the concept and development of smart cities. It defines smart cities as using ICT to be more efficient in resource use, lowering costs and environmental impact while improving quality of life. The concept originated in 2008 from IBM's Smarter Planet initiative in response to the economic crisis. European cities tend to be denser with better public transit, more cycling/walking and a stronger sustainability focus. Developing smart cities addresses problems of global warming, urbanization, changing lifestyles and the need for long-term sustainable city planning. India's smart city program aims to develop 100 smart cities to cope with rapid urbanization and population growth.