Conference on the smart cities of the future

Smart cities conference

The original report describes a conference held in Maribor on 9 September 2020. Its central message was that smart technology should serve people rather than become an end in itself.

Main insights

The discussion linked quality of life, lower emissions, sustainable mobility and better energy efficiency. It also emphasised the need for a clear vision, implementation strategy and adequate professional capacity.

Practical relevance

Building automation contributes to a smart city when it improves comfort, transparency and resource use in measurable ways. The original video link remains part of the historical article.

Five takeaways from the event

1. Put people and the users of public services at the centre of smart-city projects.
2. Use technology to improve comfort and responsible energy consumption, rather than as an end in itself.
3. Link smart cities and villages with quality of life, sustainable mobility, emissions and efficient resource use.
4. Develop a clear vision before selecting the technical tools and implementation strategy.
5. Provide enough qualified people and project capacity to turn plans and available funding into results.

The conference was held on 9 September 2020. The original post raised the need for stronger municipal capacity to prepare and deliver suitable projects. Watch the conference recording (external archive).