NIST Seeks Feedback on Plan for Smart Cities Initiative

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has released an initial public draft of a three-year strategic plan for a smart cities and communities program managed by the Smart Connected Systems Division.

The Global Community Technology Challenge comprises groups from different sectors working to improve urban conditions through digital capability integration, NIST said.

The agency explained that the GCTC is organized into 12 technology sectors that could benefit from integrating digital technology.

According to a press release, the strategic plan is intended to produce a research-based foundation for the GCTC, the NIST Smart Cities Infrastructure program and the smart cities community. It also targets equitable outcomes for residents and businesses.

NIST added that the GCTC Strategic Plan is meant to strengthen collaboration between smart city programs, research institutions, the private sector and a new generation of leaders and scientists.

The agency is soliciting stakeholder input on the draft until Feb. 29. NIST said it will release a final version in the spring after incorporating feedback.