Smart cities: 7 digital solutions with social impact

How can the latest technologies address the social needs of today's cities? Can digital solutions strengthen social cohesion in urban centers? Philip Muller and Joan Fontrodona analyze seven practical answers to these questions.

Although cities occupy just 3% of the Earth's land, they consume 60-80% of its energy and account for 75% of its carbon emissions. The United Nations dedicates one of its sustainable development goals (SDGs) to the problems and threats facing cities and metropolitan areas. Specifically, SDG #11 is to "make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable" by 2030.

Technology can play a key role in meeting this goal and making sure that no one is left behind, say Philip Muller and Joan Fontrodona in this CaixaBank Chair of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Notebook on smart cities and smart citizenship. In this edition, they explore technology, privacy and urban development.

Here are seven examples of digital solutions with positive social impact for cities: