More liveable, sustainable, and safe urban spaces are now possible with the integration of new technologies that also enhance the rich cultural and artistic heritage. This was the highlight of the event titled “Italy of Smart and Sustainable Cities: Digital and Implementation Tools for Local Government” held in Milan, organized by TIM Enterprise in collaboration with ANCI. The event showcased the latest technological innovations and opportunities for urban and local contexts available to local governments.
The event commenced with opening remarks from representatives of ANCI and the Municipality of Milan, followed by a speech by Elio Schiavo, TIM’s Chief Enterprise and Innovative Solutions Officer. Schiavo emphasized the Group’s focus on the rapidly growing sector of Smart Cities and discussed the development prospects for Smart Cities in Italy.
According to estimates by the TIM Study Centre, investments in ICT solutions for smart cities in Italy are projected to reach around 1.6 billion euros by 2027. Globally, total expenditure in Smart Cities is expected to surpass 1,000 billion dollars. The implementation of 5G, IoT, and Artificial Intelligence-based Smart City applications in Italy between 2023 and 2027 is predicted to reduce city traffic costs by approximately 6.5 billion euros and urban pollution costs by over 400 million euros. These technologies will also contribute to an annual reduction in CO2 emissions of about 650 thousand tonnes and optimize services for the public, including guiding the tourism industry.
During the event, TIM Enterprise presented several use cases of their TIM Urban Genius solution, which supports the projects of various administrations in reducing the environmental impact of city development. The collaboration with the Municipality of Milan focused on mobility analysis, eco-sustainability, and the management of tourist flows. Additionally, the Municipality of Brescia, named Capital of Culture 2023, also showcased their project for managing tourist flows using modern paradigms of “City Science.”
In his statement, Elio Schiavo stressed the importance of innovation in making cities more sustainable, safer, and more liveable. He highlighted TIM’s commitment to supporting Italian cities on their digital transformation path and working alongside entities that have chosen to embrace smart solutions.
The event in Milan marked the beginning of a series of local events aimed at accelerating the development of smart and sustainable cities. These events, which will take place in various cities across Italy, seek to showcase how innovation for local government can contribute to achieving the objectives of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and provide evaluation tools for effective decision-making.
The shift towards Smart Cities requires collaboration between digital technologies and vertical service networks such as energy and mobility, as mentioned by Antonella Galdi, Deputy Secretary General of ANCI. The Municipality of Milan also shared its vision of becoming an increasingly advanced Smart City and its ongoing efforts in various areas such as mobility, technological infrastructures, and the redevelopment of neighborhoods in a sustainable manner.
With the continuous involvement and awareness of citizens, as well as collaboration with various stakeholders, the aim is to create authentic value for Milan and its residents, as stated by Alessia Cappello, Councillor for Economic Development and Labour Policies of the Municipality of Milan.
Overall, the event in Milan showcased the potential of technology and innovation in transforming cities into Smart Cities, fostering sustainability, and improving the lives of citizens.