SCALE
Smart City Alliance for Learning, Exchange and Development
Scale is a research and transfer initiative that brings together cities, researchers, and practitioners to advance the next generation of smart city benchmarking and learning.
The project aims to further develop existing approaches to Smart City benchmarking and create a sound foundation for the analysis, classification, further development, and impact measurement of municipal Smart City activities.
Overview
Motivation
Smart City initiatives are gaining importance in the context of digitalization, climate change, and urbanization. At the same time, there is a growing demand in both research and practice for suitable methods to systematically evaluate and compare these activities.
Existing approaches exhibit several limitations:
- Lack of consideration for varying municipal framework conditions.
- Limited comparability between heterogeneous cities.
- Focus on technological aspects rather than a holistic perspective.
- Low consideration of the actual impact of measures.
These deficits make it particularly difficult to derive sound strategic decisions at the municipal level.
Expected Contribution
The SCALE project aims to bridge the gap between descriptive benchmarking and evidence-based urban development. By the end of the project, we will provide:
- Holistic Analysis Models: A new framework for evaluating Smart City activities beyond mere technology.
- Context-Sensitive Benchmarks: Validated methods to ensure fair comparability between diverse municipal structures.
- Impact Measurement Tools: Scientific foundations to systematically evaluate the actual benefit of digital measures.
- Inter-municipal Knowledge Transfer: A structured environment to foster learning and evidence-based decision-making across cities.
The objective is to move beyond purely descriptive comparisons and contribute to the evidence-based advancement of Smart Cities.
Research Approach
SCALE is designed as a cooperative and multi-stage research process. The methodological approach includes:
- Funded Methodology & Holistic Analysis: Through a collaborative process, a scientifically grounded methodology is developed based on clear indicators. This approach maintains a holistic perspective, extending beyond technology to incorporate organization, sustainability, and participation.
- Individual Benchmarking & Assessment: SCALE enables fair performance comparisons between cities with similar structures, sizes, and challenges. Assessments remain practical and are always conducted relative to each city's unique situation.
- Knowledge Transfer & Collective Learning: Facilitating an exchange at eye level allows for the identification of best practices. These insights are then adapted to each city's specific framework, fostering mutual learning and the successful implementation of Smart City strategies.
Current dates and information about participation can be found here:
Duration
2025 – ongoing
