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It is the time for cities, and never has this statement been so true: over the past few decades, human beings have increasingly become urban creatures. Today, more than half of the world's population already lives in urban centres, and it is estimated that by the middle of the century this figure will reach close to 70%.

The increasingly crucial role of cities will be the focus of the next edition of the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC), to be held from 4 to 6 November in Barcelona, with the theme The Times for Cities.

Hosted by Fira de Barcelona, the fair is the leading international event on smart cities and urban solutions, a place to explore strategies for transforming metropolises into more sustainable, resilient and liveable spaces.

Cities at the centre

This edition is set to be the biggest ever: over a thousand exhibitors, 25,000 visitors and delegations from more than 140 countries will bring to life a unique event for those who design, study or invest in the urban future.

“Twenty-five years into this new millennium we know that cities are more than clusters of infrastructure; they are dynamic systems built around the lives of millions and our greatest asset to curb climate change and secure a better future for millions of people around the world,” comments Ugo Valentini, director of the event. “Smart City Expo is the place where companies, experts and government officials act in this common goal and share strategies, technologies and projects that speed the process.”

Keynote speakers at SCEWC include architect Carlo Ratti, futurist Nikki Greenberg and artificial intelligence expert Kate O'Neil. Among the topics covered during the fair will be enabling technologies, with a focus on predictive infrastructure and artificial intelligence applied to urban spaces. Energy and the environment will be the focus of debates on the most sustainable solutions for cities. There will be discussions on mobility, from electric travel to Mobility-as-a-Service, as well as governance, urban economics, life and inclusion, with the aim of making cities more efficient and liveable for all.

In-depth analysis of infrastructure and construction will also be featured, with a focus on circular construction, smart grids and digital twins. Finally, the blue economy will be explored, with coastal adaptation strategies, marine renewable energy and smart ports, showcasing how cities can look to the sea as a resource for innovation and growth.

Once again this year, Renewable Matter will be a media partner for the event, closely following the ideas and discussions that are shaping the cities of the future. Lucrezia Lenardon will be moderating the session on 4 November entitled Investing in Transformation: Strategic Capital to Future-Proof Cities, a discussion on how collaboration between different sectors and innovative financing tools can transform urban ambitions into tangible results that are accessible to all.

Artificial intelligence and start-ups

Among the leading players at this year's SCEWC will be artificial intelligence, at the centre of the new "AI-enabled Cities" area. Here, participants will discover how this technology can transform urban projects and make them more resilient, with concrete examples and innovative solutions.

Alongside AI, innovation will also be in the spotlight with the Innovation Playground, designed to bring together start-ups, investors and research centres, creating opportunities for collaboration and new projects within the global urban innovation ecosystem.

Cover: photo by SCEWC