Issue Smart city plans hinge on handling large volumes of data

Summary

The Megatrends 2040 report links the future of urban development to a third generation of smart cities built on new technologies. It argues that a central requirement is the effective use of very large volumes of information. This includes data on road traffic, on the quality of resources such as water and air, on train schedules and on citizens' mobility. The report frames smart cities as part of a new urban development framework aimed at raising living standards, managing public services and building a sustainable economy. It adds that innovative solutions in construction and energy will require cooperation among policymakers, industry, business and research.