Shenzhen, China, was named “Smart City of 2024” at Barcelona’s Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC).
Barcelona. The city of Shenzhen, China, received the Smart City of 2024 award for its ambitious “Smarter City, Better Life” project, a comprehensive, multi-pronged initiative to address urban challenges through technology. The award recognizes Shenzhen’s leadership in using digital tools to create a more livable, sustainable, and efficient urban environment.
This year’s edition gave the special Leadership award in recognition to the continuing efforts to drive urban innovation internationally to Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milano (Italy).
Shenzhen’s smart city ambitions
Since the Smart City concept was proposed in 2010, Shenzhen has become China’s leading smart city, having already undergone years of innovation, exploration, innovation, and development.
The “Smarter City, Better Life” initiative focuses on tackling issues that are particularly pressing for a rapidly growing megacity like Shenzhen, including a dense population, resource scarcity, and environmental concerns.
The initiative has pursued an aggressive digital transformation strategy to address these challenges across various sectors. Key components include the development of high-speed broadband networks, using digital twin technology to model and manage city systems, and integrating artificial intelligence and data-driven governance into city operations.
Shenzhen’s success in developing smart city solutions is rooted in solid government support, robust technological innovation, and active citizen participation. The city’s government has developed policy frameworks and invested in infrastructure to support smart city initiatives.
The city has also fostered an environment that encourages technological innovation and has attracted significant investment from private companies developing smart city technologies.
The “Smarter City, Better Life” initiative is implemented through a multi-level system that spans from the city level down to individual streets and communities. Shenzhen has pioneered the “4321+X” model for smart community development, emphasizing integrating government networks, video networks, IoT sensor networks, and the internet to create comprehensive data and service platforms.
These platforms provide a foundation for various smart city applications, including public safety management, community governance, and the delivery of public services.
Shenzhen has also made strides in developing smart solutions specifically tailored to the needs of its residents, including:
- Intelligent security systems: The city has created robust security systems that enhance safety and reduce the need for manual patrols by using video surveillance, IoT sensing technology, and AI-powered analytics.
- Senior care services: The city has integrated online and offline senior care resources to provide personalized services such as meal and emergency assistance, improving the quality of life for its elderly population.
- Citizen participation: Through platforms like the “Community Home Network” and “Palm App,” residents can easily access information, provide feedback, and participate in community management.
Several key factors that have contributed to Shenzhen’s success:
- Emphasis on technological innovation: The city has prioritized investing in cutting-edge technologies and incorporating them into its urban development strategy.
- Collaborative governance model: The city has fostered partnerships between government, private companies, and citizens to implement smart city initiatives effectively.
- Focus on inclusivity: Shenzhen’s efforts to address the needs of its diverse population, including older people, demonstrate a commitment to inclusive urban development.
Shenzhen’s recognition as the “Smart City of 2024” highlights the city’s success in using technology to address urban challenges and create a more sustainable and citizen-centric urban environment. Its innovative approach and achievements serve as a model for other cities seeking to harness the power of technology to improve urban life.
