Debashis Kundu

Pilot projects in smart lighting, waste management, and smart parking represent a key step toward the digital transformation of urban environments, but scientific research highlights the need for careful assessment of their economic and systemic impacts. Studies show that smart lighting can reduce energy consumption by up to 70%, while waste collection optimized through sensors can lower operational costs by 20–30%. Similarly, smart parking systems help reduce traffic congestion and emissions while increasing parking revenue by up to 10%. However, academic literature identifies significant obstacles, including a lack of data standardization and interoperability, which hampers the scaling and integration of different technological solutions. Additionally, there is a risk of vendor lock-in, where cities become dependent on a single supplier due to proprietary hardware and software systems, reducing competitiveness and flexibility. Contract structures often lack clear mechanisms for switching to alternative solutions, which further complicates risk management. In conclusion, while pilot projects demonstrate potential for more efficient urban resource management, their long-term sustainability requires a multidisciplinary approach, including technical standards, economic evaluations, and transparent contractual models.