Differentiation of Urbanisation Rates

Currently, the development of urban management systems and infrastructure lags behind the pace of urbanization. This problem can be addressed through the implementation of smart city management technologies. New forms of organizing future cities are in the spotlight of the new issue of trendletters, produced as part of a joint project of the Human Capital Multidisciplinary Research Center and the UNESCO Futures Studies Chair (UNESCO Futures Literacy Chairs network).

For reference: This series of trendsetters continues the practice of publishing reviews of global technological trends since 2014 and presents a unique database of global trends and challenges in the field of human development. This research of the HSE ISSEK is based on the results of iFORA Big Data System, the Delphi survey (with the participation of more than 400 leading foreign and Russian scientists), expert sessions and interviews.

In 2022, 57.5% of the world's population lived in cities. By 2050, this proportion is expected to grow to 68.6% and by 2100 it is projected to reach 85%. However, the adaptation of urban management systems and the development of infrastructure are lagging behind the rate of urbanization. This issue is being addressed through the introduction of smart technologies.

The most significant components of the smart city concept include optimizing urban management, providing smart social services, implementing an intelligent security system, conducting real-time environmental monitoring, delivering electronic public services, and involving residents in the development of digital services. At the same time, it is important to remember that cities are competing for investment and human capital. These factors play a crucial role in determining the success of urban development.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global population, leading to an increased outflow from megacities and accelerating the pace of urban de-growth. The shift to remote work, availability of communication tools, and development of temporary housing and rentals have all contributed to this trend.

According to a study, cities of the future will face challenges such as increasing population density, reduced resources, and diminished ecosystem capacity to handle anthropogenic stress. These issues can be addressed through the formation of localized urban hubs within cities. These hubs can help stop the spread of urban sprawl, increase resource efficiency, and reduce environmental impact by minimizing transportation.

The new issue of trendletter (Russian version) is available at the link.

Previous issues of trendletters can be found here.