According to the Bitkom survey, the population's specific desires for smart city solutions are as follows: 92 percent of citizens want intelligent street lighting that automatically adjusts its brightness to current demand. Almost as many (91 percent) believe that low-emission, space-saving parcel delivery by e-bike should be introduced in their area. Three-quarters (75 percent) advocate for public transport with as little emissions as possible, for example, through electric buses.
“In Germany, we usually only associate smart cities and municipalities with the digitalisation of administration. Worldwide, Smart Cities "It's been proven successfully that digitalization can do much more and, for example, contributes to solving the ecological and economic problems of climate change. For example, e-buses, intermodal mobility, and digitized buildings in cities can reduce CO2 emissions,"
says Bitkom President Achim Berg.
Digital participation, free Wi-Fi, local environmental data
In addition to the use of digital technologies to reduce emissions, respondents see great potential for increased local civic engagement. Four out of five (81 percent) believe a digital defect reporting system would be useful, for example, to report damage in public spaces. Almost half (49 percent) support an app as a digital solution for insight into and participation in public life. On the other hand, 46 percent say such an application should not be introduced. Younger people are particularly interested in a digital option for actively participating in public life: 60 percent of 16- to 29-year-olds are in favor, while only 35 percent are against. Three-quarters of all respondents (76 percent) support free Wi-Fi in public places.
Neighborhood environmental data is also of high interest: People want an overview of current, local environmental developments. More than half of citizens (56 percent) believe that a platform for accessing such information should be introduced. This could, for example, provide real-time information on air and water quality or traffic conditions.
Smart City: Digital to the office
78 percent of the population want to be able to access as many administrative services as possible online. This eliminates the need to visit the Citizens' Office and avoids waiting times at the office. Changes of address or applications for documents such as identity cards can then be carried out from home. Consultations with government offices should also be available online via video, say 69 percent.
"Digital technologies must be used more extensively in administrative modernization to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government action. This will also create greater transparency of procedures and decision-making processes for citizens,"
explains Berg.
About the study
The information is based on a survey conducted by Bitkom Research on behalf of the digital association Bitkom. 1,004 people in Germany aged 16 and over were interviewed by telephone. The survey is representative. The question was: "Regardless of whether these applications are already in use in your city or municipality: Please tell me to what extent you would support the use of the following applications in your city or municipality."
