Efficient management and utilization of resources is vital for a city to be smart. In order to improve the quality of government services as well as citizen welfare, new technologies like AI, IoT, big data and blockchain are being used. Out of all the subsegments of smart city solutions, smart infrastructure management grabs the largest share. This is because security and transportation solutions are foundational to any smart city project. When it comes to the rate of growth, smart energy is expected to be leading the race. With the increasing investment in sustainable and green technologies, adoption of these technologies is getting accelerated by smart cities around the world. We are also witnessing an apparent shift towards usage of virtual power plants which utilize AI and IoT to ensure high security and efficiency. As the whole process would be managed remotely, the carbon emissions would reduce drastically.

However, the segment continues face headwinds under the impediments pertaining to implementation and the cost. Building an integrated ecosystem of smart parking systems, smart homes, virtual power plants, smart offices, and smart factories, is the major challenge to overcome. Smart city consultants have come to rescue in this scenario, helping organizations and government bodies implement the projects effectively. Leveraging their expertise in the field, they are playing the role of the much needed support system for this market. Acknowledging their crucial role, we have come-up with this special issue focusing exclusively on this market.

In this special issue, CIOReviewIndia brings to you the list of 10 most promising smart city consulting firms that have made their mark in this domain with their technology acumen and industry expertise. These companies have kept abreast of the new technological advancements in this segment and have leveraged them to their full potential.

We hope this issue gives you helpful insights into this market landscape.