"A smart city or community aims to improve the well-being of its inhabitants, businesses, visitors, organisations and administrators by providing digital services that contribute to a better quality of life. "

European Commission

The concept of smart communities is based on various approaches, ranging from the design of physical and digital infrastructures to the in-depth investigation of urban development processes.

These include, among others:

  • The design and planning of infrastructures that are both functionally and digitally advanced.
  • The detailed study of urban development and spatial planning, specifically focused on the needs of smart communities.
  • The development of user-centered designs and innovative interfaces that make daily life easier.
  • The integration of artistic elements that improve the aesthetic and functional quality of urban/village life.
  • The development and evaluation of educational programs specifically tailored to the dynamic technologies and social structures of a smart community.
  • Investigating and implementing new technologies to support urban functions and services.
  • Conducting needs assessments and active stakeholder engagement to ensure broad acceptance and effectiveness of the innovations introduced.

We at the University of Continuing education bundle all related activities at our university into a future living lab to bring together different disciplines and provide an attractive offer to communities in our region. Offering interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary solutions should be achieved. Hence, co-creation and participation of different stakeholders are a genuine aspect of our concept. Think global, act local! Following this old motto, it is important for us to see this initiative not only locally but we team up with international partners to include complementary know how and learn from best practices from over 10 nations in our new established network of smart community labs.

If you want to join this initiative or are interested in our research please contact us.

Related research projects at our university:

References

European Commission: Shaping Europe’s digital future - Smart Cities and Communities

Project Team

Stephanie Nestawal

Dr. Stephanie Nestawal

Head - Department for Continuing Education Research and Educational Technologies

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Albert Treytl

Dipl.-Ing. Albert Treytl

Head of Center - Center for Distributed Systems and Sensor Networks - Deputy Head of Department - Department for Integrated Sensor Systems

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