The process of smart city definition at an EU level

Abstract

Diffusion and availability of new technologies has influenced the evolution and organization of cities. New technologies and services, in particular in the areas of transport, energy and ICT, are requirements to transform a city into a smart city contributing towards reaching a high level of urban sustainable development. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the process of smart city definition following the European approach. In the context of the European Union’s ten-year growth and jobs strategy (Europe 2020 strategy), the role of smart cities is defined. The main European objective is to tackle the major societal challenges at an urban level, adopting smart cities’ solutions. The European Commission proposes an integrated approach to connect policies and resources at EU, national, regional and local levels to promote smart cities’ solutions.