The European Smart City Movement

This book is a collection of case studies of some of the most successful smart city projects from around the world. Both in large cities and local areas, there is growing competition for companies in new industries as a design element of the economic area. These companies rely not only on strong digital networks but also on experts in emerging technologies. Traditional digital service providers-such as hosting companies, app developers, and platform providers-are starting to see potential applications in the public sphere, collaborating with experts in fields like AI, blockchain, security, and encryption.
These collaborations generate innovative solutions, including smart energy usage, efficient waste management, intelligent traffic systems, and futuristic urban development. These ideas use sensors and data networks, opening up exciting possibilities for new projects and initiatives. By showcasing successful pilot projects, there is a chance to replicate these accomplishments in other regions and cities, even in different legal and social settings.
This book offers a diverse collection of real-life examples detailing how cities have faced and overcome these challenges. Best practice examples-including project planning, implementation challenges, and step-by-step methods for urban and regional transformation-are presented in 29 case studies. The scope of these projects varies, depending on the unique needs of each location. This compilation serves as a guide for those looking to kickstart their own initiatives, offering an accessible overview of these projects.

Prof. Dr. Christian Schachtner is a Professor of Business Informatics, focusing on the digitalization of the public sector at the University of Applied Sciences RheinMain. In March 2025, he was elected Vice President for Education and Sustainability at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences. Until 2023, he was Head of Public Management at IU University of Applied Sciences.
After completing a diploma in public administration (FH) at HföD Bavaria, he earned a master's degree in European administrative management at HWR Berlin. Subsequently, he completed his PhD at the Faculty of Economic Sciences at KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, at the Chair of Business Administration, Human Resources, and Organization.
In addition to 10 years of experience as a Chief Digital Officer and manager in public administration and smart city affairs, he works as an in-house consultant, independent organizational consultant, and in adult education. His research focuses on public governance, smart cities and regions, digital transformation, learning analytics, competency-based frameworks, upskilling, automated systems, and AI-based systems, as well as data literacy.
He is a member of the GfO and GI and is a Research Fellow at the Stein-Hardenberg Institute Berlin and the Department for E-Governance and Administration at the University for Continuing Education Krems.