Cyber-threats to smart cities

Cyber-threats are expanding in every way from attack frequency to scale, sophistication and impact severity. The rate of code vulnerabilities found in dated, internet-accessible software also shows no signs of abating. Crypto-ransomware that leverages clever engineering techniques is also on the rise. As more and more smart devices running critical infrastructure organizations can connect to the …

Traffic Light Assist – a vehicle to infrastructure communication

The ‘Traffic Light Assist’ technology, which will be launched by Audi in the autumn, aims to tell driver exactly how long they have before traffic lights change colour. It will communicate with new smart traffic lights already installed  select cities and metropolitan areas. Audi will begin offering a new traffic light technology in three of its …

Scotland is on the path to a sustainable future

Environmental group WWF Scotland confirmed that on August 7, 2016, wind power alone generated 106% of Scotland’s electricity needs for a single day. This shows that with more development, renewables are capable of eventually replacing fossil fuels. “While it’s not impossible that this has happened in the past, it’s certainly the first time since we began …

Wroclaw’s Intelligent Transport System

The Wroclaw Intelligent Transport System consists of a wide range of innovative solutions to manage and improve the quality and efficiency of the transport system in Wroclaw. In order to reach its objective of more fluid transport and improved road safety, the system uses technology and telecommunications tools such as cameras, sensors at intersections, boards on …

Gdansk’s Lower Town district: culture-based growth

The revitalization of the Gdansk’s Lower Town district included investments in infrastructure and social fabric as well as social and cultural activities to tackle the specific problems in this area. All operations were aimed at fighting against social exclusion, with some activities focusing more particularly on children and young people from disadvantaged families, and others directly …

The urban distribution center – Charleroi, Belgium

Over the past few years, Charleroi has embarked resolutely on a policy of economic redeployment and urban restructuring. The city center is currently the site of an impressive phase of renovation and expansion. In this context, an Urban Distribution Centre (UDC) of 2000m² was created outside of the city. Heavy vehicles can drop the goods there, before being redistributed …

New York Lowline – a new vision for parks

The Lowline is a plan to use innovative solar technology to illuminate an historic trolley terminal on the Lower East Side of New York City. The vision is a stunning underground park, providing a beautiful respite and a cultural attraction in one of the world’s most dense, exciting urban environments. New York’s City Hall has …

Pavegen – footsteps as source of sustainable energy

Pavegen is redefining sustainability in the built environment, through the creation of pioneering flooring technology. It can improve our data-driven smart cities and inspire future generations to diversify the renewable energy mix of tomorrow. Its aim is to connect and empower communities across the globe, utilizing the power of footsteps to contribute to a greater environmental goal. …

The RegioStars Awards – an inspiration for European regions

The objective of the RegioStars Awards is to identify good practices in regional development and to highlight original and innovative projects which could be attractive and inspiring to other regions. It includes the following five categories: Smart Growth, Sustainable Growth, Inclusive Growth, CityStar, and Effective Management.   The EU Cohesion Policy Funds support this yearly …