How can smart city education and training prepare professionals for the future?

In my role as the world's first Smart City Tsar I have had the opportunity to review smart cities in 198 United Nations Member States. There is one thing that they all have in common, they are all different. Technology is the enabler, never the outcome. A homogenous technology led approach is doomed to fail. All cities use a multi agency model which requires a multidisciplinary, not interdisciplinary approach. It is usual to start with a single focus, what we call a Smart City theme that aligns with your professional training and skills. For example you may have a construction background, your theme would be infrastructure. This would be an ideal place for you to start your smart cities journey.

Smart cities are not just about technology; they are about people. Smart city education and training ensure that professionals understand the ethical considerations and social implications of technological advancements, empowering them to make responsible decisions that benefit the community as a whole. Sustainable development is a core principle of smart cities. Smart city education and training equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to design and manage cities that are environmentally friendly and resource-efficient. Smart cities thrive on engaged and informed citizens. Smart city education and training can empower individuals to understand complex urban issues and participate actively in shaping the future of their cities.

One thing I have found helpful about education and preparation of smart cities professional teams as we should invest and prepare different training courses for our people which will help all for future and act as solid foundations for smart cities topic, we should train them about smart mobility, smart transportation, funds of smart cities, design smart cities and urban planning.

In my experience, smart city education and training are crucial for preparing professionals to navigate complex urban challenges. As cities become more connected, professionals need skills in data analytics, IoT, and sustainable planning to effectively manage smart infrastructure and services. Ongoing training ensures they stay current with evolving technologies and methodologies. Fostering cross-disciplinary knowledge and practical experience enables them to design innovative, community-focused solutions, ensuring smart cities are resilient, sustainable, and responsive to citizens' needs.

In our commitment to smart city development, we place a particular emphasis on cultivating a mindset oriented towards innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and resilience. We understand that the success of smart cities relies not just on technology but also on the ability of professionals to work together across various sectors and disciplines to create sustainable and inclusive solutions. For example, we encourage our teams to participate in interdisciplinary workshops, where they can apply systems thinking to tackle complex urban issues, from resource management to improving citizens' quality of life. This environment preparing our professionals to become visionary leaders in designing the cities of tomorrow.

I disagree. All Smart Cities are essentially different. My advice is not to start with a homogenous approach. As Smart City experts we are not generalists, but specialists. I would advise you to start where you live. Perhaps you don't live in a city, maybe you live in a rural setting, or on an island or by the coast. Each one of these settings will be different in terms of what will be needed and how you can adapt your existing career to benefit your local area. I suggest you review the plans your local authority has made for transitioning to a smart city and decide how you, as a citizen, might get involved. All Smart Cities across the world are transitioning their plans at the moment post pandemic, it's an ideal time to get involved.

We are deeply committed to developing educational programs that reflect the complexity and diversity of smart cities, focusing on a mindset geared towards innovation, and adaptability. For instance, we have initiated collaborative workshops that bring together professionals from various sectors, students, and community members to work together on smart city projects. These workshops aim to solve real urban problems using creative and multidisciplinary approaches, thus promoting a holistic understanding of urban issues. Our goal is to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and critical thinking, where questioning norms and exploring new solutions are encouraged to address the challenges of smart cities with agility and innovation.

Education and training in smart cities come in many shapes and sizes, each tailored to different needs and audiences. From university programs offering in-depth theory and practice at all academic levels to professional workshops focused on specific skill sets, there's a path for everyone. But the most inspiring aspect is how community-driven learning can take place—citizens joining hackathons or participating in co-creation initiatives. This blend of formal and informal education empowers not only professionals but entire communities to shape and thrive in smarter urban environments.

In my experience, smart city education and training should encompass a range of programs, from technical skills like data analytics, IoT, and cybersecurity to broader areas such as urban planning, sustainability, and community engagement. This mix ensures professionals are well-rounded and can tackle diverse urban challenges. Workshops, online courses, and certifications offer flexible learning paths, while cross-disciplinary programs foster collaboration between tech experts, urban planners, and social scientists. This comprehensive approach prepares professionals to create innovative, inclusive, and effective smart city solutions.

In a smart water management system, professionals trained in Internet of Things (IoT) technologies were able to deploy sensors across the city to monitor water levels, detect leaks, and optimise distribution. This training equipped them to integrate various IoT devices into the existing infrastructure, allowing real-time data collection and analysis. For instance, they identified and fixed a major water leak 40% faster than before due to the immediate alerts from the IoT sensors. Smart city education that focuses on IoT integration ensures that professionals can harness real-time monitoring for more efficient urban management, reducing resource wastage and improving service delivery.

I would recommend you access resources already online to better understand the smart city landscape. I make all my own publications, podcasts and webinars publicly available. It is likely that you can expand your current career focus to understand how to make this available to Smart Cities. Career paths in Smart Cities cover most specific domains, technology, engineering, data, leadership and have a focus on purpose driven innovation, including social good. If you are someone who is not just focused on profit but has a profit with purpose, smart cities are an ideal next step for your career. Smart Cities are complex and messy but ultimately have a single focus, to deliver better health and well being outcomes for their citizens.

Smart education and training are a key in smart city development, it can help citizens, professional, teams of smart cities develop, manage, work and live in these cities by providing them with necessary knowledge, skills and system of an education system. It will encourage the professionals to become smart cities manager with right education.

Education and training in smart cities offer incredible benefits, not just for professionals but for the entire ecosystem. They enhance employability and open doors to new opportunities, fostering skills that range from technical to leadership. But beyond the career advantages, they cultivate a culture of lifelong learning and innovation. This journey of knowledge helps professionals turn theory into real-world impact, solving urban challenges and creating positive outcomes. Ultimately, smart city education inspires individuals to become true changemakers—advocates for a smarter, more sustainable urban future.

Smart city education and training can be highly beneficial for professionals and the smart city ecosystem. It can improve mobility, employability, and recognition in the domain, as well as open up new opportunities and networks.

I disagree. In my experience Smart cities are exactly the opposite. They are driven by an inclusion agenda. Personally I take that approach to the next level to what I believe is the ultimate agenda for all Smart Cities, equity. What I mean by this is they have a goal of leaving no one behind, hence equity, inclusion and accessibility. In some countries such as the UK this is not a goal but a legal requirement and part of the statutory duties of a Smart City. At the United Nations level the next steps of innovation in Smart Cities is using collaboration technology, tools and approaches are the way in which we as Smart City experts are creating consensus and therefore equity.

In my experience the more challenges we face, the stronger we become, let us face the challenges which can be cost of some training, but this will be paid back when we will be hired as smart cities experts, all these costs will get back to us. Some courses we need to be done by ourselves as might be not available and we should depend on ourselves to search, read, be autonomous. Now, with my 2nd role as smart cities lecturer I can help guide and support many professional teams who are looking for information.

Education and training in smart cities come with their own set of challenges—complexity, accessibility, and inclusivity being the most pressing. Defining the scope, aligning with market needs, and maintaining standards can be a daunting task. Often, opportunities in this field are limited by costs, time, or geography, leaving many aspiring professionals without access. The lack of diversity and representation further complicates matters, potentially leading to initiatives that overlook cultural, social, or ethical nuances. To truly thrive, smart city education must evolve to be more inclusive, bridging these gaps and making innovation accessible to all.

Facing the challenges of education and training in smart cities, we are adopting innovative technologies to make them more accessible, inclusive, and tailored to current needs. For instance, we are developing online learning platforms using advanced technologies to offer interactive and personalized courses. These platforms enable everyone, regardless of their geographical location or economic situation, to access quality training on smart cities. By fostering an open and collaborative learning mindset, we strive to democratize education in this field, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the development of the smart cities of tomorrow.

In my experience, smart city education and training face several challenges, including keeping pace with rapidly evolving technologies and ensuring programs remain relevant. Traditional education models may struggle to adapt, making it hard to provide the interdisciplinary skills needed for smart city development. Additionally, there’s a gap in access to quality training, particularly in smaller cities or regions with limited resources. Overcoming these challenges requires continuous curriculum updates, partnerships with tech companies, and investment in accessible, flexible learning options for all professionals.

In My experience, in 2020 I have heard about Ziggurat institute of technology, as they have a Master's in Global Smart City Management, and I registered after 2 interviews were successfully, one-year online program covers all smart cities topics, after one year I have been asked to join them part time lecturer for smart mobility topic which help the students of next years to get knowledge and education about this topic and to enable continues improvement for all students.

We need smart cities to improve the life quality of human beings but we need smart education to produce smart citizens who can continue the procreation process of the smart cities.

In my experience the multi agency model of a Smart City is best orchestrated by both civic and elected leaders. Although near term goals set by elected leaders are important, success follows from civic leaders creating a long term roadmap which guides the innovation focus for the city. Co-creation is the most successful approach to solving the complex problems in smart cities with all stakeholders being part of the change required. Priorities need to be discussed and agreed between the stakeholders. Progress needs to be made transparently available and have the ability to be challenged as focus and priorities change.

Maximizing the benefits of smart city education requires adopting best practices like collaboration, innovation, and adaptability. Collaboration involves bringing together diverse stakeholders—educators, industry experts, policymakers—to design and deliver relevant and impactful learning experiences. Innovation means using the latest technology to craft engaging, interactive, and personalized education that resonates with learners. Adaptability is about keeping programs flexible, responding to the changing demands and trends of urban environments, ensuring continuous improvement. By embedding these practices, we can build a robust educational framework that empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to smarter cities.

We focus on integrating new practices into our smart cities training, particularly valuing collaboration and experiential learning. For example, we organize participatory workshops where students collaborate with municipalities to identify and solve concrete urban issues. This method not only provides theoretical knowledge but also develops crucial practical skills. We also encourage experience sharing among participants, thereby enriching learning with diverse perspectives. These new practices strengthen an open and adaptable mindset, essential for navigating the rapidly evolving smart cities landscape.

Smart City Education and Training:- Interdisciplinary Approach- In a smart city project in Bristol, professionals from diverse fields like urban planning, IT, and environmental science were trained together. This interdisciplinary approach fostered a holistic understanding of smart city dynamics. Real-World Case Studies- In Singapore, training included case studies of successful smart city implementations, providing practical insights and encouraging innovative thinking. Technology Hands-On- In Barcelona, a workshop on IoT and data analytics gave professionals hands-on experience, crucial for understanding the technological backbone of smart cities.

One key area for Smart Cities to understand as part of their forward plans is their climate footprint. Smart Cities account for 60% of global emissions and are key to unlocking climate change. Humans have created climate change and we need to be part of the solution to solve this problem. I work with businesses across the world who are starting to understand the vital role they can play in addressing climate change. I have resources available on LinkedIn Learning for you to start your climate champion journey. Technology is the key to unlocking Sustainability. Especially if you haven't started your climate commitments the course I have created is just for you. Get in touch for your business to become a climate champion in your Smart City.

Let's explore the impact of smart city initiatives on citizens' quality of life. By focusing on social inclusion, we can design solutions that meet the needs of all, including the elderly, disabled individuals, and marginalized groups. For instance, user-friendly mobile applications can ease access to public services, enhance safety, and promote civic engagement. By promoting equitable access to the benefits of smart cities, we create more resilient and connected communities, where every individual can fully contribute to and benefit from urban innovation.