ABSTRACT
The innovation of urban contexts is a hot topic in the international debate. New technologies are considered as an unavoidable element in managing modern cities, since they support spreading sophisticated services to improve the quality of life of citizens. This chapter analyzes the role played by actors, technology-based innovation, and governance in the cities listed in Arcadis index. Some key issues related to governance emerges with long-term goals, especially in relation to energy, education, wage level and environment, and with the attention addressed to both internal and external synergies to be created in order to achieve sustainable actions. The evidences show the roles of the different entities involved in urban sustainability projects, namely government and local offices, industry and business, universities and research centres, and citizens. Citizens are both creators and users; additionally they are part of a “smart community”, since they participate in managing the city, by interacting with all stakeholders and positively affecting the definition of city services.
