A significant contribution to the European smart city landscape is exemplified by the Sharing Cities project, a EUR 25 million initiative funded under the EU's Horizon 2020 programme. This project tackles urban challenges by deploying and demonstrating integrated, shared smart city solutions across three lighthouse cities: Lisbon, London, and Milan. Within Lisbon, the Bairro de Alvalade neighbourhood serves as a living laboratory where innovative technologies are being implemented and evaluated.
Specifically, the project in Lisbon focuses on improving energy efficiency, promoting sustainable transport, and enhancing citizen engagement. This is achieved through the installation of smart lampposts equipped with sensors for environmental monitoring and public safety, the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to encourage cleaner transportation options, and the retrofitting of buildings to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Furthermore, the creation of a shared mobility platform aims to optimise resource utilisation and reduce reliance on private vehicles. By demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of these integrated solutions, Sharing Cities aims to provide a replicable model for other European cities seeking to enhance their sustainability, resilience, and quality of life. The insights and best practices gained from this project are invaluable for accelerating the adoption of smart city technologies across the continent.