Digitalisation 4 Development

The concept of smart cities can refer to different models. A smart city uses information and communication technology (ICT) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices to improve operational efficiency, share information with the public and provide a better quality of government service and citizen welfare. The EU is committed to the promotion of sustainable development and growth, and smart cities answer to those needs by promoting an integrated approach to urban development. This infosheet introduces the EU´s internal policy framework, recent developments in partner countries, challenges and opportunities of smart cities and it gives some relevant case studies in partner countries.