Smart city transformation for mid-sized cities: Case of Canakkale, Turkey

Abstract

The urban areas where half of the world's population live is expected double in just 15 years from now. According to the 2017 World Population Prospects report, the world's population is expected to increase to 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050, and 11.2 billion in 2100. The World Bank' s data reveals that around 72% of Turkey's population, reaching 80 million, live in urban areas, and predictions show that this rate will rise to 80% in 2030 with a population surging to approximately 88 million. This staggering surge in urban populations facing the world and especially Turkey makes it imperative to use limited resources efficiently starting immediately. The Çanakkale on My Mind project aims to define the steps needed to transform Çanakkale, situated in the heart of the region dubbed the "golden circle" along the Istanbul-Izmir axis, into a smart city and design a road map together with the participation of relevant stakeholders. Born in Çanakkale's district Çan, Kale Group joined forces with the Turkish Informatics Foundation (TBV) and Novusens Smart City Institute and launched the Çanakkale On My Mind project on February 1, 2017.