Dawn of the Smart City? Perspectives From New York, Ahmedabad, São Paulo, and Beijing

Rapid growth and environmental change are creating new challenges for urban areas around the world. From climate change adaptation and crime prevention to the integration of new residents, much is being asked of municipal governments. At the same time, new technologies – from data collection and real time monitoring to sophisticated “control centers” – are being developed that could help inform urban decision making and improve city management. Four essays present perspectives on the ideas behind smart cities from New York, Ahmedabad, São Paulo, and Beijing.