The Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) is a global event showcasing innovation in urban development. This year’s theme, “Live Better,” underscores the shift from technology-centric approaches to human-centered urban planning that prioritizes sustainability, inclusivity, and citizen wellbeing.
Global platform for urban transformation
As the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) gears up for its 13th edition, the event continues solidifying its status as the premier global gathering for urban innovation. This year’s theme, “Live Better,” underscores a paradigm shift in how cities approach development, placing citizens at the heart of urban transformation.
Ugo Valenti, Director of SCEWC, in an exclusive interview with Cities of the Future, emphasizes that this edition will focus not only on technology but also on fostering inclusive, sustainable, and participatory cities where people can thrive. During the interview, Valenti shed light on the highlights of the upcoming congress, its significance in the urban development landscape, and its growth trajectory.
“We believe the event has become a beacon of urban innovation through the past decade, and the numbers back up our goal,” Valenti explained. “We’ve grown steadily since 2011, and this year, we’ve experienced a 30% increase in our exhibition space from the last edition.” This impressive expansion mirrors the increasing urgency for solutions to cities worldwide facing urban challenges, from climate change to social inequality.
Citizen-centric approach
At the core of this year’s congress is a move towards a more holistic approach to smart cities. The emphasis is on creating urban environments that prioritize the wellbeing of inhabitants rather than merely focusing on technological advancements. “The theme ‘Live Better’ reflects a shift from a purely technological focus to a holistic, citizen-centered approach,” Valenti noted. This approach explores how cities can evolve into spaces where people live healthier, more fulfilling lives through a blend of technology, sustainability, and inclusivity.
With over 1,100 exhibitors and representatives from 850 cities, this year’s event will showcase diverse, innovative strategies to make cities more sustainable, efficient, and livable.
Multidimensional perspective on cities
As in previous editions, the Smart City Expo will feature multiple themed events that cover a broad spectrum of urban challenges. Mobility, buildings, and the Blue Economy are just a few of the key areas of focus. “The combination of themes such as Mobility, Buildings, Blue Economy, and others is essential for a comprehensive approach to urban transformation,” Valenti remarked. Each theme is integral to the larger goal of building resilient, adaptable, and citizen-centric cities.
Mobility, in particular, is crucial in reducing emissions and improving urban connectivity. “Transportation accounts for almost half of global emissions, according to the International Energy Agency,” Valenti explained. “Improving mobility systems is one of the key steps we can take toward creating sustainable urban environments.” Other themes, such as the Blue Economy, which promotes the sustainable use of marine resources, present emerging opportunities for cities closely tied to water bodies.
The congress’s approach is not just about addressing one issue but exploring how these areas interconnect to create a multidimensional perspective on urban development. “By integrating these themes, the congress offers a broad view on how cities can become more resilient and adaptable, addressing a wide array of urban challenges and possibilities,” Valenti said.
Innovation and startups at the forefront
Innovation has always been a driving force behind the Smart City Expo, and this year is no different. Startups play a pivotal role in developing new urban technologies, and SCEWC 2024 places significant emphasis on fostering innovation through initiatives like the Innovation Playground. “Startups act as key drivers of innovation in the transformation of cities,” Valenti explained. “Their agility and creativity allow them to explore disruptive ideas and rapidly implement solutions that address pressing urban challenges.”
One of the standout synergies at this year’s congress will be with the Barcelona Deep Tech Summit, which will run alongside SCEWC. “The Barcelona Deep Tech Summit focuses on fostering scientific entrepreneurship and tech-driven innovation. By hosting this event alongside ours, we strengthen the bridge between cutting-edge scientific research and practical urban applications,” Valenti said. This partnership will help foster collaboration between scientists, entrepreneurs, and city planners, accelerating the development of new technologies focusing directly on urban environments.
Several interconnected themes drive the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) agenda, all focused on creating more sustainable, efficient, and livable cities:
- Citizen Wellbeing: This is the congress’s central focus, aiming to transform cities into places where people can “live healthier and more fulfilling lives.” All other themes feed into this overarching goal.
- Sustainability: This theme permeates all aspects of the congress. It’s about creating cities that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. This includes initiatives related to mobility, buildings, and the blue economy.
- Mobility: The congress recognizes that efficient and sustainable transportation is crucial for reducing emissions and improving connectivity.
- Buildings: The focus here is on developing eco-friendly and smart infrastructure that contributes to sustainable urban environments.
- Blue Economy: This theme explores the potential of sustainably using marine resources, which can significantly contribute to a city’s resilience and sustainability.
- Technology and Innovation: The congress recognizes the crucial role of technology, especially deep tech, in driving urban transformation.
- Startups: The SCEWC provides a platform for startups to showcase their innovative solutions and connect with potential investors and partners. Initiatives like the Innovation Playground highlight the importance of startups in developing new urban technologies.
The interconnectivity of these themes creates a comprehensive approach to urban development. By addressing challenges and opportunities across multiple domains, the congress fosters a holistic vision for building better cities for the future.
Expecting a record-breaking edition
Expectations for the 2024 edition of SCEWC are higher than ever. “We expect record-breaking participation in many magnitudes,” Valenti revealed. “With a 30% increase in exhibition space and more than 600 expert speakers, we are already registering figures that the event has never seen before.” The event will welcome many participants, including government officials, private sector leaders, academics, and non-governmental organizations.
What makes SCEWC unique is the breadth of topics covered and the platform it provides for global cities to exchange knowledge and experiences. “Our goal has always been to inspire cities worldwide to adopt smarter, more sustainable practices, improving the quality of life for their citizens,” Valenti said. As the event grows, its influence extends beyond Barcelona, with regional editions promoting smart city practices tailored to local contexts.
“Our editions in other countries build on the momentum of the annual global event in Barcelona. Each regional edition promotes the development of smarter cities while focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities of the host cities and regions.” This global reach ensures that the insights and innovations shared at SCEWC have a lasting impact on urban planning and development worldwide.
Building the cities of tomorrow
The Smart City Expo World Congress has evolved into more than a conference—a catalyst for change. The need for sustainable, inclusive, and tech-driven solutions has never been greater as cities face increasingly complex challenges, from the climate crisis to population growth. With its citizen-centric focus, this year’s edition promises to push the boundaries of what cities can achieve in the coming decades.
Looking ahead, Valenti is optimistic about the future of urban development. As the world’s cities continue to grow and evolve, events like the Smart City Expo World Congress serve as essential platforms for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and driving the innovation needed to build the cities of the future.
With record-breaking participation, a diverse range of themes, and a focus on innovation, SCEWC 2024 is poised to be the most impactful edition yet. It will offer a glimpse into the future of urban living—one that is more sustainable, inclusive, and, above all, centered around the needs of its citizens.