Researchers from Edinburgh Napier University have developed and launched a United Nations resource to help cities around the world reap the benefits of digital technologies.

The resource, “Managing smart city governance,” is described as a playbook of recommendations that can be implemented to improve urban life via technology.

It offers guidance to local and regional governments leading smart city projects, with examples including real-time monitoring of traffic data.

It also provides insight into how cities have been dealing with some smart tech’s ethical, societal, and environmental implications.

The final publication draws on examples from Scotland, including the collaborative Scottish Cities Alliance, the launch of the Scottish Digital Academy, and Glasgow’s Participatory Budgeting Evaluation Toolkit.

As well as Edinburgh Napier University, the smart city playbook was jointly produced by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, and Tallinn University of Technology.

Professor Luca Mora and Dr Paolo Gerli, both from Napier’s Business School, led the research team behind the playbook. Mora presented the final document to the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona this week.

Speaking on the resource, Mora commented: “This playbook draws together evidence-based advice, offering what we hope will be guidance that makes a positive difference around the world.

“Digital technology offers many opportunities for leaders of local and municipal governments – and it could revolutionise the quality of life for people who live in urban areas.

“The potential of these technologies is almost limitless, so it is important that they are put in place strategically and collaboratively to make the most of them.”

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The Scottish Cities Alliance, cited in the playbook, is a partnership between the Scottish Government and eight cities — Glasgow, Dundee, Dunfermline, Perth, Stirling, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Edinburgh.

Together, the Alliance focuses on smart technologies, infrastructure, and investment promotion, in a bid to drive innovation, create new business and employment opportunities, and also improve city services.

At the end of last year, Edinburgh’s smart City Operations Centre officially opened. It receives real-time data from the CCTV network 24/7, and is integrated with smart technologies. It was created to help improve traffic flow, transport infrastructure and city planning, as well as public safety.

Cammy Day, leader of Edinburgh Council, commented at the time: “We’ve completely overhauled the technology we use within the control centre and across the city – replacing outdated analogue cameras with intelligent internet-enabled devices. This means we can analyse events and traffic in real time.

“Edinburgh is fast becoming an example of a truly smart city and its [sic] thanks to trailblazing projects like this.

“We’re also rolling out waste and housing sensors, innovative digital learning opportunities in schools, while exploring an urban traffic management control system which is a tool for monitoring traffic flow.”