The relationship between humanity and rural environments is as ancient as civilization itself. From the dawn of sedentary life through agriculture and animal domestication, rural societies have been the foundation of food production and societal development. However, in the 21st century, this historical legacy faces complex challenges—chief among them, an aging population of agricultural workers, land abandonment, and a disconnect between rural life and younger generations. At the same time, unprecedented opportunities are emerging through technological innovation, particularly through the implementation of artificial intelligence…
The recent election of Zohran Mamdani as the mayor of New York has sparked widespread conversation among municipal leaders and experts attending the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona. His victory has been celebrated not only for his progressive agenda but also for his ability to forge a strong, direct connection with voters through transparent communication and a focus on everyday urban challenges such as housing, transportation, and social equity. While his leadership represents a generational shift in political engagement, it also reflects…
Parking infrastructure in major metropolitan areas is undergoing a profound transformation, evolving from static storage spaces for vehicles into dynamic, multifunctional urban service hubs. One of the most illustrative examples of this shift is the initiative led by Indigo, a global leader in parking and mobility solutions, in collaboration with Corsalis, a logistics and spatial planning specialist. Together, they are pioneering a new model of hybrid parking infrastructure, with the flagship project taking shape at the Foch parking facility in Paris, strategically located between…
The digital transformation of cities is rapidly becoming one of the most defining challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. As urban populations continue to grow, municipalities face increasing pressure to deliver more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive public services. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges not only as a technological enabler but as a strategic catalyst capable of reshaping how urban spaces are managed, governed, and experienced. During the recent Smart City Expo World Congress, held in Barcelona from November 4 to 6,…
The evolution of urban mobility within the framework of smart cities is undergoing a paradigm shift—one that is increasingly driven by data and powered by the exponential capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI). Traditional urban planning models, largely reactive and infrastructure-centric, are being replaced by data-informed, proactive systems capable of not only identifying and interpreting mobility patterns, but also of projecting future demand, optimizing existing infrastructure, and informing inclusive and sustainable public policies. AI emerges not merely as a tool but as a strategic enabler…
As the world embraces a new era of urban transformation, the bicycle has reemerged as a key player in the transition toward sustainable, inclusive, and human-centered mobility. Its ecological footprint is minimal, its infrastructure cost-effective, and its societal benefits substantial—from mitigating traffic congestion to fostering healthier lifestyles. In the context of smart cities, where digital technologies increasingly orchestrate urban life, the bicycle embodies a convergence of environmental responsibility and technological innovation. Yet, as cities modernize and cycling becomes more widespread, a persistent challenge remains:…
The advent of generative artificial intelligence (AI) represents a pivotal transformation in the public sector, marking a shift that transcends the simple digitalization of services and processes. Unlike earlier waves of technological innovation that primarily focused on digitizing paperwork or automating specific tasks, generative AI introduces a deeper, structural change. It signals the emergence of cognitive capabilities within public administration—an evolution from static digital infrastructures to dynamic, intelligent systems capable of learning, reasoning, and proactively responding to societal needs. According to the report Artificial…
