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In 2018, the Future Trends Forum (FTF) of the Bankinter Innovation Foundation published the “Disruptive Cities” report, analyzing urban challenges and proposing ways to transform cities through technology and innovation. The report highlighted key issues such as sustainability, population ageing, social inclusion, and digitalization, anticipating the transformative role of information technologies in urban environments. Since then, cities have seen significant advancements, including smarter connectivity through ICT, innovative urban mobility solutions like electric scooters, and enhanced citizen participation via digital platforms. Green infrastructure projects have also increased, addressing environmental concerns like heat mitigation and stormwater management.
Despite progress, persistent challenges remain, especially regarding social inclusion, the digital divide, and economic inequality. The shift toward a circular economy has gained attention but faces hurdles in infrastructure and stakeholder engagement. Digital participation platforms have improved governance but raise questions about ensuring equitable access for all citizens. Looking forward, the integration of technologies such as IoT and AI promises more efficient urban management but also sparks debates about privacy and ethics. Sustainable mobility and climate adaptation efforts, including nature-based solutions like urban forests, are set to play crucial roles. Ultimately, the future of cities depends on collaboration among governments, businesses, and citizens to foster sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban development.
2024: Reflections on Urban Progress since the 2018 Disruptive Cities Report and a Look Ahead
In 2018, the think tank Future Trends Forum (FTF) “Disruptive Cities” of the Bankinter Innovation Foundation analysed the challenges and proposed the best ways to transform our cities into disruptive cities. With international experts such as John Rossant, John de Yonge, Alfonso Vegara, Jaime Rodríguez de Santiago , and Paola Subacchi, the goal was to improve our understanding of urbanization and its intersection with technology. In the report “Disruptive Cities” that emerged from the FTF, emerging challenges in sustainability, population ageing, social inclusion and digitalisation were highlighted, anticipating the transformative role of information technologies in cities. This article revisits those challenges in the current context, exploring how predictions have materialized, what innovations have emerged, and what trends are shaping up for the future. By comparing the realities of 2018 with recent developments, it seeks to understand how cities are evolving to meet complex challenges and take advantage of unique opportunities in the urban skyline.
Innovations and transformations
Since 2018, cities have undergone significant transformations in response to the challenges identified in the “Disruptive Cities” report. The adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has advanced, leading the way towards smarter and more connected cities. Projects such as the one developed by Sidewalk Labs in Toronto have exemplified how technology can be applied to improve the quality of urban life, although they have faced challenges related to privacy and data governance.
Urban mobility has seen a sea change, with the emergence of mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) solutions, including electric bicycles and scooters, such as Lime and Bird, offering sustainable alternatives to conventional transport. These initiatives have contributed to reducing congestion and carbon emissions, although the path towards full integration into public transport systems is still in development, as Future Trends Forum expert Gordon Feller points out in this FIBK Voices.
On sustainability, cities have increased their focus on green infrastructure and climate resilience. Green infrastructure projects, such as urban parks and green roofs, have gained momentum, offering recreational spaces as well as solutions to urban environmental problems, such as stormwater management and heat island mitigation.
Digitalisation has allowed greater citizen participation in urban planning and management, with platforms such as Decide Madrid or Decidim Barcelona, which promote a more open and collaborative government. Through these tools, citizens can participate directly in urban decision-making, from proposing projects to voting on public initiatives.
These developments have been instrumental in addressing emerging urban challenges, demonstrating the potential of innovative technologies and approaches in transforming cities. However, they have also revealed new challenges, especially in terms of equity, privacy, and long-term sustainability. As we move forward, it is crucial that cities continue to adapt and respond to these concerns, ensuring that the benefits of urbanization and digitalization are accessible to all.
Challenges that persist and new questions
As we move forward since 2018, the urban challenges identified in the “Disruptive Cities” report have evolved, but new questions have also emerged. Social inclusion and inequality remain critical challenges in the urban context. Although technologies and innovation have facilitated access to services and improved the quality of life for many, the digital divide and economic inequality persist, leaving segments of the population at a disadvantage.
The transition to a circular economy has gained momentum as a sustainable approach to urban development. Cities like Amsterdam have adopted ambitious strategies to minimize waste and promote reuse and recycling, but large-scale implementation faces challenges in terms of the necessary infrastructure and the involvement of both businesses and citizens.
Governance and citizen participation in urban planning have made significant progress thanks to digitalisation. Citizen participation platforms, such as Decide Madrid or Decidim Barcelona, have improved participatory democracy, allowing citizens to directly influence urban decisions. However, these initiatives also raise questions about digital inclusion and how to ensure that all sectors of society can participate equitably.
These persistent challenges and emerging new questions underscore the complexity of managing urban growth and transformation in a sustainable and inclusive manner. The key for the future will be to find a balance that allows the benefits of technological innovation and citizen participation to be harnessed, while addressing inequalities and promoting greater sustainability.
Looking Ahead: Projections and Opportunities
Looking ahead, cities face a landscape of enormous opportunities marked by technological innovation and emerging challenges. The evolution towards smarter and more ethical cities highlights the need for governance that balances innovation with citizen rights. The implementation of technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), promises to transform urban management, improving the efficiency of services, such as waste collection and infrastructure maintenance, while raising important debates about data privacy and security.
Sustainable and autonomous mobility is seen as a revolutionary change in urban transport, promising to significantly reduce accidents and improve traffic flow. However, its successful integration will depend on sound regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations, especially with regard to equity in access and impact on employment.
Adaptation to climate change will continue to be a central axis for urban development, with an increasing focus on the creation of green spaces and the implementation of nature-based solutions. Innovative projects, such as urban forests, seek to combat the heat island effect and promote biodiversity and the well-being of urban dwellers.
These projections underscore an urban future of opportunities and challenges, where collaboration between governments, the private sector and citizens will be essential to achieve sustainable and inclusive development. The ability of cities to adapt and respond to these dynamics will define their resilience and quality of life in the decades to come.
Conclusion
Since 2018, the path to smarter, more resilient and inclusive cities has advanced, marked by innovations and challenges that still exist. Continuous adaptation, a commitment to sustainability and equity, and collaboration across different sectors are essential to shaping the urban future. The opportunities to improve life in our cities are immense, depending on our ability to integrate technology and citizen participation in ethical and sustainable ways.
If you want to know more, you can listen to our podcast Innoverse with Raúl Rojas, about Smart Mobility.
You can also check out our Disruptive Cities report and read the article Smart Cities and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Presidente de The New Cities Foundation
