The European Commission is calling on those involved in creating smart cities to publish their efforts in order to help build an open planning movement from the ground up.
"For those of us living in cities, – we need to make sure they are smart cities. Nothing else makes sense. And nothing else is such a worldwide economic opportunity - so we need to get sharing!" European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes said.
The challenge is being issued to city administrations, small and large companies and other organisations to go public with their ICT, energy and mobility plans, so that all parties can learn from each other and grow the smart city market. Through collaboration as well as traditional competition, the Europe will get smarter, more competitive and more sustainable.
The Commission is looking for both new commitments to “get smart” and for interested parties to share their current and past successes.
Sharing these ideas will feed the European Innovation Partnership on Smart Cities and Communities and networks such as the Smart Cities Stakeholder Platform, the Green Digital Charter, the Covenant of Mayors, and CIVITAS.
The Commission the movement will help those sharing their plans to find the right partners, get better access to finance and learn from their peers.
In June 2014 the Commission will then seek to analyse, group and promote the best plans and initiatives.
Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger said: "Cities and Communities can only get smart if mayors and governors are committed to apply innovative industrial solutions".