The Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC), a leading international summit on urban innovation, concluded its 2024 edition in Barcelona with record-breaking attendance and a renewed focus on ethical urban development. Held in conjunction with a suite of specialized events focused on mobility, building, and the blue economy, the conference brought together over 25,771 attendees from 130 countries, solidifying its position as the leading global hub for smart city solutions.
Ethical urban development takes center stage
This year’s theme, “Live Better,” resonated throughout the conference program, which featured 632 speakers, including experts on technology-based inequity, urban revitalization, social justice, and environmental activism.
Ugo Valenti, Director of SCEWC, emphasized the significance of the event: “The outcome of this year’s event has been particularly significant, not only because we set new records in terms of dimensions and attendance, but also because we proved that our focus is key to improving citizens’ lives worldwide.” He highlighted the tangible impact of the summit, noting how some solutions showcased at SCEWC were directly applied to aid in the response to recent flooding in Valencia, Spain.
Responding to real-world challenges
The devastating rainfall in Valencia just days before the event brought the issue of urban resilience to the forefront. Companies offering solutions in this field, along with countries sharing their experiences managing natural disasters, became key players at the 2024 edition. The event served as a platform for showcasing technology’s role in enabling governments and institutions to monitor and implement early warning protocols to mitigate the effects of climate change. SCEWC also took concrete steps to support relief efforts, including fundraising for the Red Cross and facilitating the deployment of solutions presented by exhibiting companies to aid in the aftermath of the flooding.
Charting a sustainable path for urban transportation
One of the key co-located events, the Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress (TMWC), co-organized by Fira de Barcelona and EIT Urban Mobility, focused on sustainable urban mobility. The event gathered over 25,000 attendees and showcased the latest innovations in the field, with a particular emphasis on the transition to electric vehicles and the integration of AI and autonomous technologies.
Maria Tsavachidis, CEO of EIT Urban Mobility, emphasized the urgency of sustainable mobility investments: “Europe is at a pivotal point for sustainable urban mobility…The presentation of our latest study at Tomorrow.Mobility emphasizes that reaching EU Green Deal targets will demand €1.5 trillion in sustainable mobility investments by 2050, focusing on public transport upgrades, shared mobility, and low-emission zones.”
Innovation playground to foster startup solutions
TMWC also featured an “Innovation Playground” that highlighted the work of dynamic startups driving sustainable mobility across Europe. From digitally connected refuelling stations for heavy-duty vehicles to carpooling integration with public transport, these startups demonstrated the power of technology and creativity in addressing urban challenges.
Smart City Expo goes international
Building on its success in Barcelona, SCEWC is expanding its reach with regional editions around the world. In 2025, SCEWC will launch Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur, marking its first foray into Southeast Asia. This new addition joins a growing list of international events, including editions in Curitiba, New York, Puebla (Mexico), Santiago del Estero (Argentina), Cartagena de Indias (Colombia), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and China.
Ricard Zapatero, Director of International Business at Fira de Barcelona, noted the increasing demand for SCEWC events globally: “More and more cities around the world want to host international editions of Smart City Expo. The success of this event globally reinforces Fira’s position in the world and contributes to promoting urban innovation to build a more sustainable future focused on the well-being of its citizens.”
The Smart City Expo World Congress is not only a showcase for cutting-edge urban solutions, but also a catalyst for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Its global expansion reflects the growing recognition of the need for smart, sustainable, and citizen-centric urban development. With a commitment to tackling real-world challenges and fostering innovation, SCEWC is shaping the future of cities worldwide.
