IDC Government Insights Launches Smart Cities North America Awards
Inaugural award features best practice examples of urban innovation focused on use of technology and data, unique partnerships, funding models and/or community involvement
FRAMINGHAM, Mass., January 8,2018 – IDC Government Insights announced today that applications are open for the inaugural Smart Cities North America Awards (SCNAA), designed to recognize the progress North American municipalities have made in executing smart cities projects, as well as provide a forum for sharing best practices to help accelerate smart city development in the region. Any organization can nominate a city project or initiative that has been implemented, including the municipality itself, state or provincial agencies, solutions providers, and other partners. Deadline for submission is January 26, 2018. To nominate a project or initiative, please visit http://bit.ly/2lV8pGV.
Smart cities catalyze the digital transformation of urban ecosystems to produce systemic environmental, financial, and social outcomes. The cities in North America have made significant strides in the smart cities arena leveraging technology and realigning with the needs and expectations of citizens and residents. Specifically, these new awards will seek to highlight best practice examples of urban innovation with a particular focus on the use of technology (cloud, platforms, analytics, IoT, mobile solutions) and data, unique partnerships, funding models and/or community involvement.
Award categories include:
- Administration
- Civic Engagement
- Digital Equity and Accessibility
- Education
- Public Health and Social Services
- Public Safety
- Smart Buildings
- Smart Water
- Sustainable Infrastructure
- Transportation
- Tourism, Arts, Libraries, Culture, Open Spaces
- Urban Planning and Land Use
“Smart cities are, by definition, focused on using emerging technologies and innovation to make cities more livable, and offer new services and economic opportunities,” said Ruthbea Yesner, research director, Smart City Strategies at IDC Government Insights. “Our new Smart Cities North America Awards program shines a spotlight on the progress North American cities have made to improve the lives of citizens through smart city initiatives and will serve as a practical resource for other government leaders as they consider similar projects in the year ahead.”
