But first, inspiration
First, what are smart cities? A smart city is a place where traditional networks and services are made more efficient with the use of digital solutions for the benefit of its inhabitants and business.
A smart city goes beyond the use of digital technologies for better resource use and less emissions. It means smarter urban transport networks, upgraded water supply and waste disposal facilities and more efficient ways to light and heat buildings. It also means a more interactive and responsive city administration, safer public spaces and meeting the needs of an ageing population.
How might we enable Dublin city to become a smart city in order to grow, operate, meet population demands and enhance climate resilience over the coming decade?
SMART CITY INDICATORS
It all began with an idea. However, becoming a truly smart city, municipalities need to advance in six key strategic action fields: Smart Government, Smart Economy, Smart Environment, Smart Living, Smart Mobility, and Smart People.
These six key indicators are consistent with those developed by Professor Dr. Rudolf Giffinger and his European Smart Cities research group at the Centre of Regional Science of Vienna University of Technology, which later were popularized in the widely adopted "Smart Cities Wheel", developed by renowned urban strategist and smart city expert Dr. Boyd Cohen. From a strategic perspective, an approach that covers all six indicators can be regarded as a holistic strategy towards becoming a smart city.
This project focuses on Smart Mobility for the city of Dublin. Dublin's 2024 population is now estimated at 1,284,551. In 1950, the population of Dublin was 626,131. Dublin has grown by 14,379 in the last year, which represents a 1.13% annual change.These population estimates and projections come from the latest revision of the UN World Urbanization Prospects. These estimates represent the Urban agglomeration of Dublin, which typically includes Dublin's population in addition to adjacent suburban areas.
To be successful, it is paramount to take the needs of all actors into account, especially those of the citizens. Of high importance is the facilitation of smart collaboration and innovation between government, private sector businesses, academia and civil society (foremost the citizens).
“Smart Mobility” focuses on increasing the efficiency and service quality of urban transportation to enhance the use and adoption of new mobility solutions as well as to increase people's mobility through efficient mobility management and targeted infrastructure investments.
Achieving cheaper, faster, and environmentally friendly mobility as well as integrated multi-modal transportation is an important challenge for cities and communities.
Supporting the combination of multiple modes of public and private transport, and adopting new forms of transportation (e.g. electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, autonomous vehicles, bike sharing, carpooling/car-sharing) is an important aspect for a future-oriented strategic approach to foster “Smart Mobility”.
A customer-centric and inclusive approach for all citizens, businesses, and visitors is needed to achieve a high-quality mobility service and to ultimately improve the flow of people and goods within a city or community, while at the same time reducing the environmental impact.
What is smart city?
A smart city is a place where traditional networks and services are made more efficient with the use of digital solutions for the benefit of its inhabitants and business.
What is smart mobility?
Smart mobility is an intelligent transport and mobility network. Smart mobility is the connection of various elements of technology and mobility, a rethinking of the transportation infrastructure used in daily life and business.
Is Dublin a smart city?
Dublin smart city project is alive and we can make it better. Dublin is home to cutting-edge technology companies, world-leading research institutes, a vibrant start-up community and engaged citizens. This makes Dublin the ideal location to test and scale smart city initiatives.
"Chie, your presentation showed how you have evolved in your thinking and problem-solving approaches. Your exploration of different ways of thinking and problem-solving methods indicates a journey of growth and development. You are open to new ideas and a willingness to adapt your approaches based on new insights."
— Briony Supple — University College Cork