Smart Cities Market Size Report

Global Smart Cities Market:

The global smart cities market size reached USD 1,423.3 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 4,909.9 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8% during 2025-2033. The emergence of advanced information and communication technology (ICT), along with the inflating levels of urbanization, are among the key factors propelling the market.

Smart Cities Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The inflating focus on modern infrastructure development is primarily propelling the smart cities market size. Moreover, the easy availability of high-speed internet connectivity across the globe is also acting as another significant growth-inducing factor.
• Key Market Trends: Numerous advancements in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) that enable data-driven decision-making and predictive analytics are among the emerging trends bolstering the market. Apart from this, the inflating need for improved public safety and security is further positively influencing the overall market.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the prominent companies in the global market include ABB Group (NYSE: ABB), Cisco Systems, Inc., Alphabet Inc., International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Schneider Electric, Hitachi, Ltd., Siemens AG, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Intel Corporation, General Electric (GE) Company, Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson, Toshiba Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., and AT&T Communications, LLC, among many others.
• Geographical Trends: North America exhibits a clear dominance in the market, owing to the growing funding support from government bodies. In line with this, they are further focusing on reducing resource consumption and minimizing traffic congestion, which is contributing to the regional market.
• Challenges and Opportunities: One of the primary challenges hindering the market is the elevating cybersecurity concerns. However, the introduction of standardized data protection protocols to enhance trust is projected to fuel the smart cities market demand over the forecasted period.

Smart Cities Market Trends:

Integration of AI

The widespread adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence is transforming the smart cities market outlook. For example, in November 2023, Chandigarh Smart City Limited (CSCL) launched an AI-driven chatbot, 'BIRBAL,' aimed at improving the citizen services experience in the city. Moreover, it is specifically designed to offer accurate information and guide citizens toward appropriate resources, thereby creating seamless experiences for residents. In addition, it also covers a wide array of services, including public transport, online payments, complaint management, health-related inquiries, etc. Furthermore, these technological innovations are gaining extensive traction, as they enable the interconnection of several devices and systems, thereby allowing for real-time data collection and analysis. In March 2024, the City of Manchester in the UK developed a community-led people's panel to involve residents in discussions about how artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to offer solutions to local problems. Similarly, in February 2024, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, launched the Global Smart City Forum in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to advance technologies represented by artificial intelligence, thereby contributing to building a modern human-centered environment.

Sustainable Urban Development

The increasing consumer environmental concerns towards reducing carbon emissions levels are among the key drivers augmenting the smart cities market value. According to a report by the World Bank released in 2022, approximately 600 million individuals will be living in urban cities in India by 2036, thereby representing 40% of the population. In April 2024, Josh Talks, a regional content and upskilling platform in India, announced the development of City Champions to identify and support organizations working towards sustainable urban development. Additionally, in February 2024, the UN-Habitat Urban Lab published “My Neighborhood,” a guide that offers a checklist of urban design principles aimed at creating more sustainable and resilient cities. Besides this, containing actions that are applicable at the neighborhood scale, it strives to present an integrated approach that responds to key sectors, such as housing, public spaces, transportation, local urban initiatives, utilities, etc. Furthermore, key players are focusing on enhancing resource management, which will continue to fuel the market in the coming years. For instance, in May 2024, URB, one of the urban planning firms based in Dubai, established a research division called Environmental Planning and Innovation Cities (EPIC) Lab that promotes sustainability.

Rising Public Services

Smart cities prioritize improving public services and safety via technology. This includes the deployment of emergency response automation, smart surveillance systems, and improved healthcare services. In February 2024, Matterport, one of the property computer vision platform startups, partnered with Arcadus to offer the Matterport digital twin platform to manage assets of the latter more efficiently and bolster the U.S. public sector. Additionally, in February 2024, BT opened a new NB-IoT network in the UK to serve the smart cities space alongside construction, utilities, and logistics services. Besides this, the widespread security concerns among government bodies are further strengthening the smart cities market. For example, in June 2024, the Chief Minister of Sindh introduced the Sindh Smart Surveillance System (S4) project aimed at providing an integrated and comprehensive security solution for all major entry as well as exit points connecting all major cities in the province.

Global Smart Cities Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with the market forecast at the global and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on focus area, smart transportation, smart buildings, smart utilities and smart citizen services.

Breakup by Focus Area:

• Smart Transportation
• Smart Buildings
• Smart Utilities
• Smart Citizen Services
   

Currently, smart transportation holds the largest smart cities market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the focus area. This includes smart transportation, smart buildings, smart utilities, and smart citizen services. According to the smart cities market research report, smart transportation represented the largest market segmentation.

Smart transportation is driving the segment's growth, as it involves the use of advanced technologies to create more efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly urban mobility systems. This includes the integration of IoT, AI, and big data analytics to optimize traffic management, reduce congestion, and improve public transport services. For instance, in April 2024, the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras launched the Mobility and Intelligent Transportation collaborative towards building a global smart city infrastructure. Additionally, autonomous buses and ride-sharing services are being tested to provide flexible and efficient transportation options.

Breakup by Smart Transportation:

• Smart Ticketing
• Traffic Management System
• Passenger Information Management System
• Freight Information System
• Connected Vehicles
• Others
   

Traffic management system accounts for most of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the smart transportation. This includes smart ticketing, traffic management system, passenger information management system, freight information system, connected vehicles, and others. According to the report, the traffic management system represented the largest market segmentation.

Traffic management systems represent the largest segmentation in the market due to the increasing need to address urban congestion, improve transportation efficiency, and enhance public safety. As cities grow, traffic congestion becomes a significant challenge, leading to increased travel times, pollution, and stress for commuters. Smart traffic management systems leverage advanced technologies, such as IoT sensors, AI, and real-time data analytics, to optimize traffic flow, manage incidents, and provide dynamic traffic signal control. For example, in May 2024, the Sikkim Transport Department introduced an artificial intelligence-driven traffic management system to improve regulation efficiency by automatically verifying documents and detecting violations.

Breakup by Smart Buildings:

• Building Energy Optimization
• Emergency Management System
• Parking Management System
• Others
   

Emergency management system holds the biggest market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the smart buildings. This includes building energy optimization, emergency management system, parking management system, and others. According to the report, the emergency management system represented the largest market segmentation.

Emergency management systems are a crucial component of smart cities, designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of responses to emergencies and disasters. They are equipped with smart sensors and surveillance cameras that can detect fires, floods, or other emergencies, triggering immediate alerts to emergency services and providing real-time information on the situation. AI algorithms can analyze data from various sources to predict and mitigate the impact of natural disasters. By leveraging technology, emergency management systems significantly improve urban resilience, ensuring faster, more coordinated, and effective responses to crises, ultimately saving lives and reducing damage. In May 2024, ILO and the Ministry of Emergency Management of China jointly launched the China SCORE program to promote the prevention of occupational accidents.

Breakup by Smart Utilities:

• Advanced Metering Infrastructure
• Distribution Management System
• Substation Automation
• Others
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the smart utilities. This includes advanced metering infrastructure, distribution management system, substation automation, and others.

Smart utilities are a fundamental aspect of smart cities, encompassing technologies that enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of essential services such as electricity, water, and gas. Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) involves the deployment of smart meters that provide real-time data on consumption, enabling utilities to optimize resource distribution, detect leaks or outages promptly, and empower consumers with detailed usage information to promote energy savings. Distribution management systems (DMS) utilize advanced analytics and real-time data to monitor and control the distribution network, ensuring efficient energy delivery and reducing the risk of outages. Substation automation integrates intelligent electronic devices and communication networks to monitor and control substations remotely, enhancing the reliability and security of the power supply. Other smart utility initiatives include smart water management systems that use sensors to monitor water quality and distribution and smart grids that facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources and enhance grid stability.

Breakup by Smart Citizen Services:

• Smart Education
• Smart Healthcare
• Smart Public Safety
• Smart Street Lighting
• Others
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the smart citizen services. This includes smart education, smart healthcare, smart public safety, smart street lighting, and others.

Smart citizen services encompass a wide range of innovative solutions designed to enhance the quality of life in urban environments. Smart education leverages digital platforms and e-learning tools to provide personalized learning experiences and improve access to educational resources. Smart healthcare integrates telemedicine, wearable health devices, and electronic health records to offer efficient, accessible, and personalized medical care. On the other hand, smart public safety utilizes technologies, such as AI-driven surveillance, emergency response automation, and predictive policing to ensure safer communities. Smart street lighting features LED lights equipped with sensors and connectivity, allowing for adaptive lighting based on real-time conditions, which improves energy efficiency and public safety. Other smart services include waste management systems that optimize collection routes and recycling processes, as well as smart transportation solutions that enhance mobility and reduce traffic congestion.

Breakup by Region:

• Europe
• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East and Africa
• Latin America
   

North America currently dominates the market

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share. 

The market in North America is experiencing rapid growth, driven by significant investments in technology and infrastructure aimed at enhancing urban living. For instance, the implementation of the "LinkNYC" initiative in New York, U.S., involves replacing payphones with Wi-Fi kiosks that offer free high-speed internet, phone calls, and device charging, fostering greater digital connectivity. In addition, cities like San Francisco and Boston across the country are deploying smart traffic management systems that use real-time data to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow, significantly cutting down commute times. Furthermore, Toronto's Waterfront Toronto project also exemplifies smart city innovation with plans to integrate sustainable building practices, smart energy grids, and advanced waste management systems. These instances underscore the region's commitment to leveraging technology to create more efficient, sustainable, and livable urban environments.

Competitive Landscape:

Major players in the industry are introducing innovative technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) devices, sensors, data analytics platforms, and communication networks. These technologies enable the collection and analysis of real-time data for informed decision-making. In line with this, companies are involved in deploying smart infrastructure, such as smart grids, smart transportation systems, smart lighting, and smart buildings. They are continuously working with municipalities and governing agencies of several countries to integrate these solutions into existing urban frameworks or during new city planning and development. Besides this, various companies are developing platforms and mobile applications to encourage citizen participation in smart city initiatives.

The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major smart cities market companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• ABB Group (NYSE: ABB)
• Cisco Systems, Inc.
• Alphabet Inc.
• International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation
• Microsoft Corporation
• Oracle Corporation
• Schneider Electric
• Hitachi, Ltd.
• Siemens AG
• Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
• Intel Corporation
• General Electric (GE) Company
• Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson
• Toshiba Corporation
• Honeywell International Inc.
• AT&T Communications, LLC
   

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Smart Cities Market Recent Developments:

• May 2024: URB, one of the urban planning firms based in Dubai, established a research division called Environmental Planning and Innovation Cities (EPIC) Lab that promotes sustainability. 
• April 2024: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras launched the Mobility and Intelligent Transportation collaborative towards building global smart city infrastructures.
• February 2024: BT developed a new NB-IoT network in the UK to serve the smart cities space alongside construction, utilities, and logistics services.

Smart Cities Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the smart cities market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global smart cities market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the smart cities industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.