Inspired and driven by what technology can do in the urban environment and the lives of communities – today, developed cities are focused on digital technology investments. The beneficial focus of the investments that European municipalities have embraced is the simplification of city operations and public services, the circular economy, and the environment.

According to data from the European Parliament, almost all cities in the Nordic countries are smart cities. Most cities with a population of over 100,000 in Italy, Austria, and the Netherlands have developed the smart concept, followed by half of the British, Spanish, and French cities. In comparison, the eastern EU member states have the lowest number of smart cities, while the Western Balkan countries are still in the first steps.

But for the first time in Albania – in order to promote the growth of the presence of technology companies in the Western Balkans, the American Chamber of Commerce, with the support of the American Embassy, ​​will organize the regional event “Intelligent Cities – Regional Conference of the Western Balkan Countries”. According to a post on its social networks, AmCham announces that the conference foresees a two-day meeting between the Mayors of the countries of the Region, global tech companies, and senior American experts on the possibilities of smart technology investments in the cities of the region.

Leading global companies will showcase their innovations, services, and solutions related to smart cities – while mayors will present their vision and experiences for a safer and greener solution for Balkan city communities.

Bringing to Tirana a significant group of global technology companies to familiarize themselves with the potentials that Albania and the Balkans offer alongside the challenges that remain to be solved is a hopeful event in the perspective of creating a new channel for absorbing investments through the technology sector, which offers the greatest potential to modernize.

But what makes a smart city?

Smart cities use data and digital technology to make better decisions and improve the quality of life while pursuing the development of a circular economy and environmental protection. More comprehensive, real-time data gives agencies the ability to see events as they unfold, understand how demand patterns are changing, and respond with faster, lower-cost solutions by creating an economic performance platform with the final beneficiaries being the citizens.

During the two days of the regional conference to be held in Tirana, leading global companies will showcase their innovations, services, and solutions related to smart cities – while mayors will present their vision and experiences for a safer solution and greener for the communities of the Balkan cities.

The conference envisages promoting the establishment of concrete connections between Western technologies and the municipalities of the cities of the countries of the region as well as the exchange of contacts and the exploration of opportunities to invest in the intelligent technology sector.

Until now, the cities of the Balkans have been involved in positive projects for the development of smart cities, but they are still far from the development potential that would become tangible in the everyday life of the economy and citizens.