Urban Innovativeness refers to the ability to drive urban development and transformation by integrating new technologies from the Fourth Industrial Revolution and spatial innovation into existing industrial structures. It is considered one of the core competencies of a smart city to ensure sustainable urban competitiveness. This report examines the role of platforms in enhancing urban innovativeness during the implementation of smart cities. In particular, it analyzes the role of platforms in enabling public, private, and civic sectors to collaboratively solve urban challenges, advance key industries, secure leading-edge technologies, and create future growth drivers. 

  To this end, three analytical units were established: the Smart City Project, the Living Lab involving citizen and corporate participation, and the Demonstration Innovation District, which serves as a testbed for the urban tech innovation ecosystem. The Smart City Project initiates urban services and infrastructure in a pilot format, acting as an indicator for predicting future urban development directions. The Living Lab functions as a platform where citizens and private entities take the lead in conducting pilot projects. The Demonstration Innovation District is utilized as a large-scale space for validating and commercializing various smart city technologies while generating social value.  

  A total of 2,335 smart city projects underway in 50 cities worldwide, 415 living labs leading efforts to solve urban challenges, and 144 newly included demonstration innovation districts were analyzed in this report to assess urban innovativeness.

KEY CONTENTS

 ㅇ Establishing Multi-Purpose Living Labs to Address Citizen-Centric Urban Challenges Beyond Single-Purpose Approaches 

 ㅇ Sustainable Leading Living Lab Operations in Cities like Amsterdam, Seoul, and Barcelona 

 ㅇ Emergence of Multi-Living Labs Focused on Artificial Intelligence and Data Platform Technologies 

 ㅇ Strong Presence of Eco-Friendly and Transportation Living Lab-Led Projects for Sustainable Urban Development 

 ㅇ Contribution to Continuous Living Lab Growth through the Increase of Multi-Purpose and Multi-Sector Living Labs 

 ㅇ 43% of Smart City Demonstration Innovation Districts Established and Operated, with 53% Conducting Living Lab-Led Innovation Projects 

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