Building a People-First, AI-Powered City
ThoughtLab Launches Building a People-First, AI-Powered City in Partnership with Leading Urban Service Providers
Breakthroughs in AI are creating powerful opportunities for cities to enhance economic competitiveness, improve social outcomes, and modernize citizen services. But realizing this potential requires urban leaders to overcome critical challenges related to governance, data, skills, and public trust. To help cities succeed in the AI era, ThoughtLab is launching Building an People-First, AI Powered City—a comprehensive, evidence-based research program designed to equip city decision makers with a clear and actionable roadmap for creating a human-centered, AI-powered city.
Developed in partnership with a global coalition of public-sector leaders—including Dell Technologies, FedEx, FTI Consulting, General Motors, Intel, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Wireside Communications—the research draws on AI benchmarking data from 200 cities and a curated repository of hundreds of municipal AI plans and policy documents. Supported by an advisory board of city officials, academics, and AI experts, the initiative will provide city leaders with a free AI playbook and decision-support platform that will give them practical insights into using AI responsibly to transform how their cities operate, grow, and deliver value to citizens.
ThoughtLab is a global research firm creating visionary thinking at the intersection of technology, business, and government. Our multidisciplinary team of economists, industry experts, technologists, and business editors use the latest quantitative and qualitative tools to assess the impact of technology on business performance, urban plans, financial markets, and consumer expectations. Leading consulting, technology, and financial firms use our innovative research to engage corporate and public-sector decision makers.
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Just released proprietary research conducted by ThoughtLab on behalf of leading global brands
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Reimagining Municipal Services: How AI will Make Cities More Human
As headlines warn us of AI’s social and economic dangers, a different story is unfolding in cities around the world—one where AI is quietly transforming everyday life for citizens. In this Q&A, urban leaders, technologists, and public-sector experts reveal how AI is already making municipal services faster, smarter, and more responsive—and the remarkable urban improvements […]
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What does a people-first, AI-powered city look like?
This is a key question that we posed to leaders across the urban ecosystem as part of our latest smart city program, Building a People-First, AI-Powered City. This study explores how cities are using AI to meet the needs of citizens and to achieve their social, economic, and sustainability goals. From public safety and mobility […]
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Personalizing the student experience
Higher education is shifting away from a one-size-fits-all model toward a more personalized, student-first experience. Today’s students expect the same level of customization they get from platforms like streaming services or online shopping—where recommendations, communication, and experiences are tailored specifically to them. Universities are now being pushed to meet those expectations or risk falling behind. […]
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