Introducing the Cities Layer
Introducing the Cities Layer
Project Info

Introducing the Cities Layer

image

Denny Ryanto @ Unsplash

Stepping towards the future of cities worldwide.
Stepping towards the future of cities worldwide.

The Covid-19 crisis has reheated some discussions and controversies that were previously numb in the public agenda after social isolation became a mandatory action. Resiliency, adaptability, transparency, and comprehensive strategies to mitigate contamination and casualties became urgent requests for city governments, as well as the digitization of solutions and platforms that could genuinely connect the population with public agencies.

Now, it is the very fact that such adaptations were made during a public health crisis and not before that stresses the need for organizations and governments to take a less responsive and more preventive approach to urban planning and dynamics. After all, if we can use emerging technologies and strategies to create integrated urban networks, so governance is more comprehensive and data-fed, it is possible to visualize these potential outcomes and instead take a preventive approach.

Such strategies go way beyond predictive algorithms and visualization software. They are also about using sustainable materials in urban construction so they not only reduce disposal but also can mitigate climate change. Likewise, rethinking the very meaning of ownership and access to the city plays a vital role in this discussion, both in terms of offering new apps, but most of all, resources to social change. With the technologies listed here, we seek to provide novel ways to tackle these problems by prompting tools as a means, but not as an end.

In an effort to support more dialogue and better cooperation between technology experts and actors involved in international development, GIZ, together with Envisioning, jointly developed the techDetector, an analytical tool that determines the TRL, as well as its sustainable impact on emerging technologies. We assessed dozens of technology applications according to NASA’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL), from 1 (the lowest level of technology maturation) to 9 (technology is already being fixed and incorporated into new systems), and created several stories that disclose in depth the role and impact of business models and their relation to technology applications included in the development of cities and urban settings of the future.

You are now invited to navigate these technologies and explore the interactive visualization tool that helps trace a path towards a more sustainable future for us and all.

21 topics
Adapting to Climate Change
Anti-Corruption & Standards of Integrity
Decentralization & Local Governance
Digital Economy
Digital Governance and Society
Economic Policy
Employment and Labour Markets
Environment Policy, Economics, and Management
Gender Equality
Green and Climate Finance
Human Rights
Inclusion of People with Disabilities
Inclusive Finance
Investments
Peace Building & Social Cohesion
Political & Social Participation
Prevention and Management of Acute Crises and Disasters
Public Administration
Rule of Law
Security
Social Protection Systems
10 SDGs
01 No Poverty
03 Good Health and Well-Being
02 Zero Hunger
04 Quality Education
08 Decent Work and Economic Growth
09 Industry, innovation and infrastructure
11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
13 Climate Action
16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
17 Partnerships for the Goals

Related Content

1 editorial projects
6 technology domains
4 technology methods
  • Real-Time Mapping
  • Carbon Upcycling
  • 3D Modeling
  • Information Pooling
18 technology applications
4 stories
7 industries
  • Communications
  • Defense & Security
  • Education
  • Environment & Resources
  • Government & Citizenship
  • Mobility
  • Manufacturing & Production
21 topics
  • Adapting to Climate Change
  • Anti-Corruption & Standards of Integrity
  • Decentralization & Local Governance
  • Digital Economy
  • Digital Governance and Society
  • Economic Policy
  • Employment and Labour Markets
  • Environment Policy, Economics, and Management
  • Gender Equality
  • Green and Climate Finance
  • Human Rights
  • Inclusion of People with Disabilities
  • Inclusive Finance
  • Investments
  • Peace Building & Social Cohesion
  • Political & Social Participation
  • Prevention and Management of Acute Crises and Disasters
  • Public Administration
  • Rule of Law
  • Security
  • Social Protection Systems
10 SDGs
  • 01 No Poverty
  • 03 Good Health and Well-Being
  • 02 Zero Hunger
  • 04 Quality Education
  • 08 Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • 09 Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  • 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • 13 Climate Action
  • 16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
  • 17 Partnerships for the Goals