Complementing Smart City innovation platforms with technical harmonization

This paper explores the use of two divergent approaches towards becoming a Smart City: using a top-down approach and using a bottom-up approach. Main characteristics and shortcomings are identified, and then the concept of a Local Innovation Platform is introduced as a combined, alternative approach. Finally, based on the lessons learned in the ECIM EU project, and based on other Smart Mobility related works and initiatives, the paper proposes which approach a city and authorities could take and what role they could play, and to what extent they should interfere and shape the development of Smart City solutions.