International Smart Cities Network
Project description
Title: International Smart Cities Network
Commissioned by: Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building
Countries: Global/sectoral
Overall term: 2019 to 2024
Context
Modern information and communication technologies (ICT) open up many new opportunities for cities. They have the potential to increase citizen participation, make administrative processes more efficient and transparent, implement integrated urban development concepts, promote participation and social justice, and ensure urban service provision.
However, digitalisation also poses challenges, such as ensuring data protection and data security, preserving municipal self-determination, and preventing a digital divide in society. Cities and municipalities must therefore cooperate with their citizens to actively shape their own ‘smart city’ as the only way they can achieve digital change for the common good.
Although conditions vary, cities around the world are facing similar challenges. The International Smart Cities Network (ISCN) therefore promotes international exchange and knowledge transfer at national and local level.
Objective
International dialogue supports the digital transformation of cities in the context of integrated urban development.
Approach
The exchange between cities and national urban development ministries promotes a common understanding, enables mutual learning and strengthens the position of cities at international level. In a cross-national dialogue, the ISCN campaigns for digital transformation to help achieve the common good. The focus is on mainstreaming digital solutions in urban processes and making it possible to share successful models and experiences.
Regular Network meetings promote international exchange, mutual learning and knowledge transfer in the area of smart cities. Members jointly set the agenda for the meetings.
In order to facilitate comprehensive transfer of knowledge and continuous learning from each other, the ISCN promotes exchange formats tailored to meet demand and shared online working platforms, enabling it to serve its members as a valuable knowledge resource and provide innovative insight on the current debate. It also provides information on planning processes and specific projects in partner countries.