Red tape holding back smart cities

Ovum analyst says local authorities are not in a position to make 'smart cities' a reality

The creation of ‘smart cities' is being hindered by red tape and a lack of cohesion in city authorities, according to a report published today by analyst firm Ovum.

Smart cities are a concept that allow authorities to use networked IT solutions to deal with issues such as climate change, congestion, poor public transport, pollution and pressure on public services.

Jeremy Green, Ovum principal analyst, argues that although new technology from the IT industry holds the key to tackling the growing problems facing urban areas, local authorities are not yet in a place to make smart cities a reality.

"This is because city governments lack the power and resources to carry out wide-scale initiatives," he said.

"Many have budgets, authority, geographical boundaries and organisational structures that belong to a different era. But, unlike a business, they are tied by political constraints that prevent them from conducting comprehensive restructuring programmes."

He added that authorities need a new digital governance framework that will allow them to harness ICT to create smart cities.

"To allow them to become smart cities and reap the benefits of the new technologies, a new framework for digital urban renewal is needed."