A survey on smart city technologies, initiatives and global technology providers

Many cities are being named or motivated to become "smart" by the leaders, planners and officials. Smart cities infrastructure development involves "smart grids" for energy and water, "smart networks" for information and communications technologies (ICT) and "smart mobility" for transportation and logistics. The "smart" term is striving to be a solid brand in cities planning and management from all aspects. A very common theme in "smart" cities is the high dependency, and application of ICT technologies in city planning and management, which is expected to result-in superior and rational optimization of time and resources with harmonious smart city ecosystem. Nevertheless, the definitions of "smart" cities remain vague, and poor understanding may lead cities planners to possible technological traps such as heavy investments in ICT infrastructure for short-term solutions without reasonably considering the long term. As cities officials deals with rapid development, expansion and goals for creating sustainable development, dealing with climate change mitigation, and rationally manage resources, the precise definition and wisdom about being "smart" will be vital for smart cities leaders and planners. The aim of this study is to survey and assess the conceptual perceptions of smart cities by academicians, researchers, practitioners and policy makers about smart cities and the technology providers who developed smart city solutions. Furthermore, we survey the strategic ICT strategic frameworks used for smart cities.