What are the advantages of smart cities? Smart technologies and methods used by today’s leading cities help to regulate urban infrastructure and quickly solve complex problems. Digital technologies have transformed not only the area of urban planning but also the area of housing and communal services. Platforms collect and analyze data, suggesting more sustainable resource consumption patterns and responding to emergencies. Improving living standards and economic feasibility are the main drivers of the transition to smart planning and management. According to some forecasts, the global market for smart urban services will be more than $820 billion by 2025. Many countries have programs for the development of smart cities, including the Russian Federation, which is part of the national “Digital Economy” program. How can we assess the transformation of leading smart cities and predict their future?

• Relating to AI and 5G, how can these projects relevant to digital transformation change urban life? How are AI-based products and services changing the lives of urban communities around the world?
• What lessons from larger smart cities should we consider when developing digital infrastructure for smaller cities?
• What advantages and challenges do cities and towns have in becoming “smart”?