Evidence-based research on the most pressing issues facing cities Get Involved Learn More ESI Center for the Future of Cities brings together experts in urban economics, policy, and strategy to craft new evidence-based research on the most important issues facing cities around the world, and to provide consulting services for public and private sector organizations […]
Read MoreSince the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, several workers have left their offices and residents have fled from city center homes, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of large employment hubs and mega-cities. The rise of remote working and the digital economy has lime lighted questions regarding the death and life of small and enormous […]
Read MoreThe COVID-19 pandemic highlighted to cities around the world the importance of smart city programs—the use of technology, data, and innovative solutions to address their social, environmental, and economic challenges. Indeed, 65% of city leaders surveyed in 2020 as part of ESI ThoughtLab’s Smart City Solutions for a Risker World reported that the top lessons […]
Read MorePandemic accelerates rise of Cities 4.0, propelling the development of a future roadmap toward urban prosperity, sustainability, and citizen well-being The pandemic spurred more than one-third of cities around the globe to give more priority to efforts to promote the social good 65 percent of city leaders said smart city programs were crucial to COVID-19 […]
Read MoreCOVID-19 has served as a stress test for cities as businesses and services were shut down and medical facilities stretched to their limits. It has exposed weaknesses in digital infrastructure and resilience as disruptions have emerged unexpectedly with far-reaching aftershocks. Simultaneously, cities are facing mounting pressures to address vulnerabilities related to cybersecurity and climate change. […]
Read MoreAn Exclusive Meeting of Global City Leaders The COVID-19 pandemic has been a watershed event for cities, with lasting impacts on how residents will live, travel, shop, and work. Our ground-breaking research into the post-pandemic plans of 167 cities worldwide—to be released at the summit—reveals that cities will need to morph into Cities 4.0 to […]
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