Resources for implementing Smart City initiatives in Switzerland
Publication of a guide to implementing Smart City initiatives in Switzerland
The guide shows how to implement Smart City initiatives in small and medium-sized cities. The guide was drawn up by ZHAW on behalf of SuisseEnergie and with the support of a committee of experts. It is aimed not only at small towns and municipalities, but also at interested parties from the worlds of politics, administration and civil society. It provides an overview of Smart City-related topics and serves as an orientation guide. The document brings together accumulated knowledge on the subject, providing information and proposals for action. Overall, it aims to help you tackle the subject effectively and take the first concrete steps.
Digital Barometer 2019 : Perception of and interest in the Smart City theme
A study called " Digital Barometer" published annually by the Risiko-Dialog Foundation's APROPOS initiative, was carried out for the first time in December 2019. It focuses on the perception of and interest in the Smart City theme.
According to the results of the representative survey, over 80% of all Swiss people believe that Smart City-related issues represent at least partial opportunities. Only 19% see more risks than opportunities. The fact that a large proportion of the population perceives both opportunities and risks shows that there are still uncertainties in the way this new theme is perceived. This is also reflected in the fact that more than half of those questioned assume that life in towns and cities will change significantly in the future. The rural population tends to associate the subject with more risks than city dwellers, and has a lower need for information.
Those who see opportunities want to get more involved: All those questioned wanted to be involved in the development of their towns and villages. It's interesting to note that for most of the other topics examined, in connection with digitization, the desire to involve the population increases when the perception of danger is higher, in order to address these concerns.
What Smart City support funds exist for towns and cities?
A useful overview of funding opportunities and sources in Switzerland is available on the ZHAW homepage - this compilation is part of the guide described above.
Source: Newsletter Smart City Program Switzerland 1 / Nr. 10 / January 2020
