The global smart cities market was valued at approximately USD 748.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to expand at a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.8% from 2023 to 2030. Several factors are driving this growth, including rapid urbanization, the need for efficient management of resources, heightened public safety concerns, and the demand for energy-efficient environments. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of urban resilience and public healthcare, revealing the dependency of global economies on urban infrastructure and emphasizing the potential role of smart cities in safeguarding public health.
As a result, many organizations are turning to emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address urban challenges. These technologies enable city infrastructure to become more interconnected and responsive, offering real-time solutions for traffic, energy, and healthcare, among other sectors. As urban populations grow, the need for sustainable infrastructure becomes increasingly critical, driving governments to implement smart city initiatives across key areas, including mobility, utility management, public safety, and urban administration.
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Local governments play a significant role in driving these initiatives, often fostering organizational and institutional transformations that attract investments and promote collaboration across industries. In this landscape, a new model of public-private partnerships has emerged, facilitating cooperation between governments and private businesses to develop and maintain smart city infrastructure. Additionally, innovative financing and governance models are key in scaling infrastructure projects, supporting ongoing growth in the smart cities market.
The growth of smart cities is also fueled by the adoption of advanced technologies, including nanotechnology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), cloud computing, IoT, cognitive computing, big data analytics, and open data platforms. Emerging business models, such as Build-Own-Operate (BOO), Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), Original Brand Manufacturer (OBM), and Bill of Material (BOM), are increasingly applied to smart city projects, enhancing their implementation and operational success. In Asia, countries are aggressively promoting digital technologies for smart city applications while addressing consumer data privacy concerns, and governments worldwide are initiating various programs to accelerate market growth further.
Application Segmentation Insights:
The smart utility segment led the market with a share exceeding 28% in 2022. This segment is central to city infrastructure, encompassing areas such as water treatment, energy distribution, consolidated data management, and civil distribution infrastructure management. The rise of smart grids, which use advanced data analytics and cloud technology, is a major factor driving the adoption of smart utilities. With the surge in global energy demand, companies and governments are prioritizing strategies to increase the share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix, which supports the growth of the smart utility segment.
Meanwhile, the environmental solutions segment is projected to grow at a remarkable CAGR of 28.8% through the forecast period. This expansion is driven by increasing government initiatives aimed at reducing pollution, optimizing renewable energy use, and creating a sustainable ecosystem. Industry players are also focusing on expanding their environmental solutions portfolios, as these solutions contribute to brand identity and increase revenue potential. For instance, in December 2021, SENSORO, an IoT and AI solutions company, launched the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) brand SENSORO Solution, offering climate monitoring, garbage classification, and ecological protection services. Such developments highlight the growing market potential for environmental solutions within smart cities as governments and corporations alike prioritize sustainability.
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