A tool for transforming smart city governance: How The Hague utilised policy benchmarking to develop smart city next steps
Source: Smart Cities World
The Hague is a major city in the Netherlands and, as with any big city, there is increasing pressure on the local government in terms of public space and how it’s used, and how public services are being operated. Naturally, the city has turned to digitalisation to improve services and experiences across the municipality, from education to safety and security, and to enhance liveability in a place which is becoming more crowded.
Among the city’s major challenges as it grows is the environment. It must juggle crowdedness and a need for more green space, and a growing population with the need for new and more efficient waste services. The city’s aim is to become climate neutral, and digitalisation is a key part of that goal, with data-based metrics and goals driving progress. However, it’s essential that the digital transformation at the heart of these goals is secure, and that becoming a digitalised municipality doesn’t leave anything to chance from a cybersecurity perspective.
“We participate in the 100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities EU mission, together with seven other Dutch cities,” explains Tijn Kuyper, advisor on digital innovation and smart cities. “At the same time, The Hague is positioned as a city of peace and justice, and part of that means cybersecurity is a big area of focus, so it’s important that these efforts are integrated completely.