The technological, social and economic effects of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, Internet of Things, blockchain are rapidly changing the world around us. Nowhere is this more evident than in cities, where the density and diversity of human settlements create innovation-friendly ecosystems that promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. City leadership must be aware and empowered to direct such transformation for the long-term benefit of citizens.
The European Commission's Digital Cities Challenge initiative drives urban and industrial transformation in 40 European cities and helps them achieve smart and sustainable growth through four pillars: demonstrating visionary leadership, creating thriving local innovation ecosystems, creating new markets based on smart infrastructure, advanced technologies and data and upskilling the city. The initiative offers policy advisory services and training opportunities, providing cities with tools and best practices to both assess a city's current readiness and advance its vision for the future. Cities share a network of collaboration, knowledge sharing and peer learning.
In this program, the cities belonging to the Spanish Network of Smart Cities of Granada, Algeciras and Alcoi were selected, which for more than a year and a half have been part of this training and promotion program for the digital transformation of their municipalities.
The event on June 5 will also serve to present the next Intelligent Cities Challenge program with which the European Commission aims to support 50 European cities in the development of high-tech innovation ecosystems.
