- City resilience depends on balanced approaches — combining technology, nature-based solutions, and equity to address rapid urbanisation, climate change, and community well-being.
- Startups must be customer-centric — partnering with cities to solve real problems and focusing on adoption and sustainability rather than technology alone.
At Connected North 2025, Paul Wilson, Chair of the Advisory Board for SmartCitiesWorld and host of the Urban Exchange Podcast, shared his insights on the future of city resilience, sustainability, and the role of technology. With over one and a half million global readers, SmartCitiesWorld has become a leading platform for exploring urban innovation. In this interview, Wilson discussed the challenges of rapid urbanisation, the importance of nature-based solutions, and practical advice for startups shaping the smart city space.
Q1: As the chair of the Advisory Board of SmartCitiesWorld and the host of the Urban Exchange Podcast, you have discussed city resilience extensively. How do you see city resilience evolving in the next decade, and what role will technology and innovation play in shaping this future?
A1: Cities are central to resilience because of rapid urbanisation. When I was born, about three and a half billion people lived on the planet; today it is more than eight billion, and by all of the century it will reach ten billion. Half of humanity began living in cities around 2012, and this will rise to three-quarters by the time the population reaches ten billion. Every week, one million more people live in cities. Cities generate eighty percent of the world’s economy and eighty percent of greenhouse gases while covering only three percent of the Earth’s surface. Managing cities is the most significant policy tool to address climate change.
The understanding of cities’ importance has grown over the past decade, and this century is often described as the century of cities, where city management is crucial for both humanity and nature.
Q2: On your podcast, you have discussed topics such as AI-powered water resilience and urban heat resilience. Could you elaborate on some innovative solutions you have seen or worked on that address these critical issues in urban planning?
A2: About ten years ago, “smart cities” became a major topic, driven by excitement around smartphones and digitisation of city systems. Later, a backlash arose against the idea of big technology companies running cities, with a shift toward cities for people, communities, and nature. Covid-19 accelerated online work and reshaped urban living, while climate impacts like fires, floods, and heatwaves increased. Today, resilience requires a nuanced approach. While AI has potential, it consumes vast amounts of energy and water. Nature-based solutions, such as trees and green spaces, are equally critical for water management, climate adaptation, and mental health. Current thinking is more balanced, combining technology, nature, and equity to benefit all city residents, not just the wealthy or tech-savvy.
Q3: The intersection of climate, health, and equity is a pressing issue for urban solutions. From your experience, how can cities balance technological advancements with social equity to ensure all residents benefit from smart city initiatives?
A3: One example is innovations that support older people to live independently, such as smart home applications that monitor appliances, provide health connections, and offer safety features. Another example is in Poland, where mussels are used to monitor water quality; sensors on their shells help identify pollution, creating a natural partnership for water management. These solutions illustrate how technology and nature can combine to support equity, resilience, and well-being in cities.
Q4: Given your role in advising digital transformation projects and startups, what advice would you give to emerging companies looking to make an impact in the smart city space, particularly those focusing on sustainability and resilience?
A4: Companies should be customer-centric, not product-centric. Many products are created without solving real problems. It is crucial to partner with cities or organisations such as universities, hospitals, or airports to identify genuine needs and develop sustainable, revenue-generating solutions. Adoption and practical use matter more than technical complexity.
Q5: Do you have any other advice or insights to share with us?
The world is changing, and younger generations are eager to engage with that change.
A5: Smaller, purpose-driven companies are key to innovation, while large companies retrofitting old approaches are less effective. Cities can play an important role by adopting innovative procurement methods, working with smaller companies in their communities, and supporting growth that scales over time.
