Creating business models for smart cities: a practical framework

Abstract

Smart cities can use business models to evaluate what value they offer citizens by integrating ICT into their infrastructure and services. The article introduces the concept of the ‘city business model’ and proposes a practical framework for analysing it. The City Model Canvas (CMC)—based on the Business Model Canvas for firms—shows the elements that city councils should consider during the design, delivery and assessment of smart services, including the smart service’s expected economic, environmental and social impacts. An example of how the CMC was used to design an ICT platform in Bristol shows its utility as a planning tool.