Ecosystem Strategy for Smart Cities: Building a Sustainability Advantage

The importance of cities in meeting global climate targets is undisputed. Many cities already have plans to be carbon neutral or zero-carbon cities by 2050 or earlier. Though such commitments may be impressive, making them a reality requires new approaches to urban infrastructure and services enabled by new energy systems, building and transportation technologies, and digital tools. This effort will likely also require new platforms that can support collaboration between city departments, businesses, and citizens in the transformation to a zero-carbon economy.

In addition to developing practical roadmaps to decarbonization, cities are prioritizing other environmental challenges that are increasing because of global warming, including water and air quality issues, flooding, urban overheating, and the loss of natural diversity. United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being adapted as a framework for many cities and are being enhanced by new concepts such as the 15-minute city. These developments provide new points of engagement for city technology and service providers that can support cities through a combination of specific solutions and strategic alignment to city priorities.

This Guidehouse Insights report examines the opportunities and challenges of the smart city market and evolving ecosystem strategies. The report highlights the evolution of sustainable city strategies and sustainability strategies by sector and offers market accelerators and inhibitors. In addition, the report provides recommendations for technology providers, service partners, and other stakeholders.