Germany - Smart Cities

Smart Cities

Last published date: 2021-11-16

Overview

The term “smart cities” refers to the development and use of ICT in almost all areas of local life in order to link municipal infrastructures such as energy, buildings, governance, transportation, water and sewage on the basis of integrated development concepts. Enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, networks, and mobile-based technologies are the basis of any smart city concept.

With the 2020 Smart City Model Projects Program, where 32 selected projects (cities, inter-municipal consortiums, and counties) are

funded with around EUR 350 million, the German government is helping municipalities by funding the development of integrated smart city strategies and their implementation. The funding program focuses on cross-sectoral initiatives that can be adapted by other German municipalities.

With its coronavirus stimulus package, Germany is making an additional EUR 500 million available for smart city development. In total, Germany is investing EUR 1,250 billion to advance the development and implementation of urban technologies. More details from GTAI.

Cities in Germany and Europe have grown over centuries and digital technologies are now being added and complementing existing infrastructures can be quite a lengthy process. This is in sharp contrast to Asia, where cities are being built from scratch. Many German cities develop all of their smart city ideas under one roof. Hence, establishing a contact to municipalities is important.

With 77 percent of Germans living in cities and towns, the relevance of strategic urban development through digital solutions is widely recognized. The technology disrupting urban living today has the potential to improve quality of life. Innovative solutions and good decision-making are key to success.

Best Prospects for U.S. Exports

Building and construction: Energy-efficient buildings and modernization, smart homes
Energy: Expansion of renewable energy generation, smart grids and distribution, and energy storage systems
Environmental technology: New solutions for waste recycling and waste-water treatment
Management: Digital solutions/IoT for the municipal economy, security for critical infrastructure
Transportation/Logistics: Investment in public transport and smart traffic systems, e-mobility, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, autonomous driving
Ports: Fully automated port where all devices are connected via IoT

Challenges

Both the U.S. and Germany are leaders in innovation and early adopters of new technologies rapidly developing ideas into products. Being an innovative technology and solution provider in Germany usually means to compete and do business in a saturated market. It is not an easy undertaking to compete, stand out and even thrive in a saturated market. Having the right approach, careful analysis, and a relentless commitment to providing something unique and of value to customers, will eventually set up for medium and long-term success.