ThoughtLab has collaborated with a global coalition of business, government, and academic leaders to provide city decision-makers with such an evidence-based roadmap
The COVID-19 pandemic and other recent social and economic disruptions forever changed the expectations and behaviors of citizens, businesses, and cities. The degree of change and sweep of challenges have never been greater for cities. The most successful metro areas will be those that have clear visions and roadmaps for transforming themselves into future-ready cities. To succeed, urban leaders need evidence-based analysis that shows the innovative technologies, solutions, and business models that will work best in the future.
ThoughtLab has collaborated with a global coalition of business, government, and academic leaders to provide city decision-makers with such an evidence-based roadmap. Called Building a Future-Ready City, this research initiative explores how 200 cities—with diverse populations and economies—use innovation, partnerships, technology, and other drivers of change to build their future. The study also examines the changing expectations and behaviors of 2,000 citizens in 20 cities, and where there is a misalignment between city strategies and citizen needs.
Findings from this research (launched in May 2022) will be released as an eBook, key findings presentations, and a microsite with Tableau data on November 15, 2022, during the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.
Study insights and findings include:
A list of future-ready cities—those that are smart, sustainable, inclusive, prosperous, and resilient, with the ability to meet the evolving needs of citizens and businesses.
Views of city leaders and citizens on urban challenges and expectations—and where those views diverge
What sets future-ready cities apart—and the steps city leaders should take to become future-ready
Challenges that cities face when implementing future-ready plans—and how to overcome them
Where cities are placing their technological bets, including the role of AI, IoT, blockchain, digital twins, digital incubators, and the Metaverse
