Smart cities in Italy: An intelligent contribution to sustainable development

Abstract

A smart city is a place capable to manage resources intelligently, aims to be economically sustainable and energy self-sufficient, and is attentive to the grade of life and needs of its citizens. It is a concept that goes beyond the simple idea of a “digital city”, as a smart city incorporates multiple levels of development for innovative urban development management: use of renewable energies, environmental care, sharing economy, bike and car sharing, these are just some of the many features that make up a smart city. However, these places should not be seen only as a set of solutions, but a real different approach on how to solve the problems of a community and a territory. In this study a broader understanding of the topic is presented, with particular reference to the current situation in Italy, where the northern part, led by Milan and its winning model, is very advanced, and the southern part is very underdeveloped.