This report from SmartCitiesWorld examinesdiscusses how smart cities can deliver social, economic and environmental benefits, providing a three-dimensional return on investment. It examine an emerging or growing trend in smart cities, highlighting progress so far and future potential, as well as spotlighting case studies from cities around the world. Examples from Paris, France and Guangzhou, China are discussed. This paper will be of interest to city planners and public policy makers.

Key words: open ecosystems, transportation, smart lighting, open standards