Smart cities
Germany still lagging far behind on e-government, open data
In Germany, e-government and open data remain largely untapped potentials despite holding enormous economic opportunities and being basic prerequisites for smarter cities, a recently published OECD study shows. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Trust is crucial in unlocking power of data sharing, MEP says
Transport is turning increasingly to digitalisation to cut costs, boost services and reduce emissions. But the potential of data sharing, seen as a major opportunity and challenge in equal measure, needs to be unlocked. MEP Josianne Cutajar explained how the EU aims to do just that.
Francesca Bria: ‘Europe cannot rely on Silicon Valley’
Taking place across 6-8 May, Berlin's Re:publica is one of the world's largest conferences on digital culture. EURACTIV Germany took the chance to head along and sit down with Francesca Bria to discuss Spain's role in the EU's digital revolution.
‘No alternative’ to digital construction, expert says
The digitisation of the EU's construction industry is an oft-overlooked area of technological development, both politically and socially. EURACTIV.com spoke to Milena Feustel to shine a light on the sector and explore the direction the digital construction is going in across Europe.
From transport to street lighting: The emergence of smart city platforms
Uber and Airbnb have shown how city services can be transformed by platform offerings. Developing the right platforms will be key for cities to ensure that their economies, environment, and services are fit for the future, writes Eric Woods.
The sharing economy: Cure or curse?
From mobility services to recycling applications, the sharing economy holds many promises. Whether to regulate it at European level remains a disputed question, however.
A holistic approach to smart building systems
While a coordinated operation of all building systems can achieve significant energy savings, those systems are too often installed in siloes hindering to unlock the full potential, writes Tom Machinchick.
Pressure on Commission ahead of decision on connected car technology
Pressure is mounting on the European Commission ahead of a decision it is expected to announce this autumn that will affect how internet-connected cars are built in Europe.
Germany: a European laggard on Smart Cities
In Germany, cities applying for funding of Smart Cities projects face steep hurdles and private companies, not citizens, seem to be the main winners. EURACTIV Germany reports.
It’s time for Europe to deliver on an ambitious industrial strategy
As the EU's annual industry day approaches, the time is ripe to deliver on an ambitious industrial strategy that builds on Europe’s unique strengths, unlocks the potential of digital technology and data, and helps innovative companies solve societal challenges, writes Malte Lohan.
Rethinking urban energy: How Europe is leading the way
To achieve ambitious climate goals in line with the Paris Agreement, cities will need to implement major changes to their energy systems by 2030. The good news is that the transformation in the energy sector is making such ambitious programmes much more feasible and European cities are in the forefront, writes Eric Woods.
Stockholm mayor: Cohesion policy is strongest form of EU solidarity
Stockholm produces more billion dollar companies than any other place outside Silicon Valley and the European Commission recently proclaimed it Europe's most innovative region. Mayor Karin Wanngård explained how her city hangs onto its talent and why it is such a popular breeding ground for 'unicorns'.
Cohesion funds can stop Europe from moving at different speeds
Cross-border and inter-regional cooperation in cohesion and research & development spending is still limited, but very much needed to prevent a multi-speed Europe writes Lambert van Nistelrooij. To unlock Europe's growth opportunities, the MEP calls for smart regional specialisation and an Innovation Pact 2.0.
Are we there yet? Current state of the smart home market
The smart home is capturing headlines with its futuristic possibilities of smart cars, fridges and thermostats all connected to each other. However, it is important to be realistic. The current state of the smart home is not even close to this vision, writes Paige Leuschner.
Sustainability: Renewable energy in Europe’s clean energy transition
Climate change is an urgent issue that demands global action. Following the Paris Climate Agreement, Europe has embraced the clean power transition and set itself a goal of becoming the world’s number one in renewables.
What is next for eGovernment ?
This year the Estonian EU Presidency is putting eGovernment at the forefront of discussions leading up to a Tallinn Declaration. Estonia is ranked number 1 in the EU and has emerged as a global leader in eGovernment operations.
Digital transport has huge potential but needs clear framework, standards
Digitalisation of transport is going to transform Europe's industry, but the political framework needs to put in place common standards and regulate the free flow of data, as well as its management and privacy, industry and EU officials said this week.
MEP: EU needs common standards for digital transport, data management
Europe will have to work hard against competitors in China and the US to be a global leader in digital solutions for transport, an MEP involved in the issue told EURACTIV.com in an interview. Legislation must ensure common standards across the EU for transport to flow freely, she stressed.OpinionPromoted content
Catalonia to host urban security and inclusive cities conference
Catalonia and Barcelona will host the sixth international conference on urban security and inclusive cities. President of the Government of Catalonia Carles Puigdemont Casamajó writes about how proud he is to be host of the conference.
Does car sharing really reduce car use?
Concerns that sharing schemes do not deliver a net reduction in car use are not supported by evidence, writes Greg Archer. Now, digitisation and the sharing economy provide an opportunity to reduce the number of vehicles in our cities even further, he contends.
It is high time to localise the energy transition
Donald Trump pulling out of the Paris Agreement is not the end of the world. Cities and towns are moving ahead in localising the energy transition but to fully harness their potential, local governments need to be empowered and equipped with the right tools, argues Philipp Thaler.
How many smart cities are there in Europe?
240 European cities with populations over 100,000 have some "smart city" features--meaning they use technology to improve their energy use, transport systems or other infrastructure, according to European Parliament research.
European cities want 10 million ‘smart’ streetlamps
Local governments around Europe paid €7.6 billion to light public streets in 2015, but their bills could be cut down by up to 70% if local governments are willing to shell out extra funds to install new lighting.