What makes a city smart? And, how does it become smarter?

The smart city concept emerged from a technical context. Definitions of the concept have ever since, stated that smart cities use technology in general and digital technology and information in particular, to create value.

Definitions like these can in immature or limited contexts be useful but in most cases they are no longer valid. The reason for this is that it is impossible to distinguish the impact (or contribution) digital technologies have on the values that is created in a city, from the contribution that other functions and capabilities may have.

Since synergies are one of the most characteristic features…