Smart cities as an urban regeneration avenue: redefining the efficiency and performance of cities

As cities across the globe continue to undergo regeneration following increased urban population that is increase pressure on the urban systems, dilapidation and shift in the role of different urban infrastructure, the smart city agenda is becoming a critical component in these endeavors. In particular, urban managers are seen to be leaning on the Smart Urban Regeneration as a tool to revitalise the cities and increase their capacities to withstand the ranging challenges of climate change, traffic, environmental degradation and reduction in natural resources. With the help of different stakeholders it is becoming possible to bring together different aspects such as smart building technologies, incorporation of smart devices such as cameras and sensors in the urban fabric, and transform urban service delivery to become digitally oriented. This is important as cities continue to remain the main economic powerhouse and a melting pot for numerous social activities, and regeneration programs initiated need to ensure perpetuity, or improvement of these roles. In particular, the regeneration programs need to ensure that cities become more efficient and better in performance.