Full Findings Available
To succeed in the post-COVID world, urban leaders need access to evidence-based analysis showing the innovative technologies, solutions, and business models that will work best, particularly when the next disruption hits.
ESI ThoughtLab, in collaboration with a global coalition of business, government, and academic leaders has aimed at providing city decision-makers with an evidence-based roadmap to building the smart city of the future. Called Smart City Solutions for a Riskier World, this research initiative explores how 167 cities—with diverse populations and economies—use smart innovation and public-private partnerships to drive results.
Download our ebook which highlights the full findings of our in-depth study.
"Our discussions with global city leaders have made it clear that the pandemic has been a catalyst for remarkable technological, business, and social change, which will continue even after the health crisis ends."
-Lou Celi, Chief Executive Officer, ESI ThoughtLab
Regional Scorecards
COVID-19 has accelerated the need for cities around the world to adopt innovative solutions to achieve their social, environmental, and economic goals. But the priorities and solutions vary by region—and within regions, based on a city's population size, development maturity, and other factors.
To help city leaders compare their practices and progress against those of peers, ESI ThoughtLab has developed regional scorecards for 167 cities across six world regions: Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, and North America.
Download our regional scorecards today.
Insights from our Advisory Board
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Visit the official program microsite for the latest articles, interviews, upcoming events, white papers, and more.
This excel-based tool contains a wealth of economic, demographic, environmental, and other urban data on the 167 cities highlighted in our study. Culled from secondary data sources such as the World Bank and OCED, this database updates our earlier Hyperconnected Cities Data Navigator and is a valuable resource for those interested in smart city solutions.
Case Studies
This report showcases how 10 cities across regions, population sizes, and economic maturity are achieving the SDGs. It spotlights challenges and provides valuable insights for their peers.
Cities include: Accra, Barcelona, Bogota, Ludhiana, Orlando, Philadelphia, Porto, Suzhou, Torrance, and Trondheim.
Citizen Sentiment Tracker
To understand citizen perspectives on smart, sustainable programs, ESI ThoughtLab created a real-time, AI-enabled Citizen Sentiment Tracker. This unique tool used artificial intelligence to collect, categorize, and assess citizen views expressed through hundreds of thousands of Twitter feeds. It allowed our team to identify SDGs and technologies that are top of mind for city residents and how their views compared with the efforts of cities they live in.
Previous Research Initiatives
Smart City Solutions for a Riskier World is the third report produced by ESI ThoughtLab focused on the smart city of the future. Download our prior research, Building a Hyperconnected City and Smarter Cities 2025 today.
Building a Hyperconnected City
ESI ThoughtLab gathered benchmarking data from 100 cities, conducted in-depth interviews with city leaders, and drew on valuable input from a cross industry coalition of leading firms and research organizations. This study provides an in-depth evidence-based roadmap that cities can use to become vibrant, hyperconnected urban centers of the future.
Smarter Cities 2025
ESI ThoughtLab teamed up with a coalition of organizations with urban and technology expertise to conduct ground-breaking research into the impact of smart city solutions on urban performance. Our research identified 10 smart city pillars that work together to drive benefits to local stakeholders.
Contact Us
Successful thought leadership is a team sport, requiring close collaboration and the right blend of analytical, editorial, and marketing skills. For more information on how you can join these in-depth programs, please contact us today.
Lou Celi
Chief Executive Officer
ESI ThoughtLab
Lceli@esithoughtlab.com
Steve Wray
Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
ESI ThoughtLab
Swray@esithoughtlab.com