Urenio Watch Watch: Intelligent Cities / Smart Cities

SocialBlock_Decentralized user-centric data management applications in the context of smart cities

This paper proposes an architecture for decentralized user-centric data management applications for communications in smart cities. The solution proposed tackles some of the typical problems that affect centralized systems, related to the ownership, exploitation, management, and storage of data. A proof-of concept is presented, which demonstrates the feasibility of the proposal on an empirical basis. The proof-of-concept is implemented using Ethereum and IPFS as key tools. Continue reading

The people’s smart city dashboard (PSCD): Delivering on community-led governance with blockchain

This paper studies the current delivery of strategic smart city agendas and the top-down means that are used to measure and present their performance. People’s Smart City Dashboard (PSCD)  is proposed as a mean to reimagine smart cities in a more empowering and collaborative manner, using Blockchain. People-centric measurement tools  are designed, supporting a bottom-up and blockchain-based implementation of smart cities. Continue reading

New book: Smart Cities in the Post-algorithmic Era

 Smart Cities in the Post-algorithmic EraExamining the changing nature of cities in the face of smart technology, this book studies key new challenges and capabilities defined by the Internet of Things, data science, blockchain and artificial intelligence. It argues that using algorithmic logic alone for automation and optimisation in modern smart cities is not sufficient, and analyses the importance of integrating this with strong participatory governance and digital platforms for community action. The book was edited by Nicos Komninos, Director, URENIO Research and Christina Kakderi, Department of Spatial Planning and Development, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Continue reading

Paper on Blockchain and the Crypto-City

This paper “A City Is a Data Pool: Blockchains and the Crypto-City” by Jason Potts, Ellie Rennie and Jake Goldenfein provides a framework for understanding how a disruptive technology like blockchain may impact on cities and their residents. According to the authors, the Crypto-City is a stage beyond what is called the Smart City, as the consequences of adopting blockchain can lead to structural changes to economic and political institutions.

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