Application of Smart Concept in Small Cities (Example: Croatia)

Abstract

The term “smart cities” usually is connected with the functioning of the big cities. It is connected with the fact that today, as much as 54% of the world's population lives in urban areas (according to the 2014 UN Review, New York 2015). This trend is expected to continue, and it is projected that by 2050 the percentage of the population in urban areas will reach 66% of the world population. The urbanization process has affected most European and world cities, big as well as small. The increase in the urban population increases the need for mobility and the increasing consumption of food and energy. This leads to an increase in living costs, loss of time (e.g. in traffic), and to the development of poor living habits. That is why there is a need to find innovative solutions that will improve the quality of life of citizens and ensure sustainable economic growth in small cities, to preserve the regions from over-urbanization. The solution to these problems lies in the concept of small smart cities and modern technologies. It is a smart city that should solve the 21st century challenge posed by ubiquitous urbanization.