Cities smart transformation

Abstract

Since the second half of the 20th century, cities around the world have grown at an accelerated pace. Rapid urbanization gave rise to both new opportunities and new problems that required urgent solutions. In the policy of urban development, one of the options for such solutions was the transition to the so-called Smart City model. Despite the multiplicity of interpretations, it is difficult to imagine an intelligent modern city without the widespread use of information and communication technologies. The article discusses the concept of a Smart City, its practical implementation in some megacities of the Latin American region, notes both achievements and problems on the way of the intellectual transformation of cities. The author highlights a large gap in the level of organization of smart cities within the region, their serious dependence on foreign technologies. Special attention is paid to such cities as Medellin, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, the regional leaders of the international Smart City ratings.