Stockholm Smart and Connected City Strategy

The "Stockholm Smart and Connected City Strategy" is a publicly available resource outlining the ambitious plan adopted by the Stockholm City Council to transform the city into the world's smartest urban area by 2040. This strategy aligns with the city’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by the same year, highlighting the role of digitalisation and technological innovation in fostering sustainable urban development.

The strategy is built around four key sustainability pillars: economic, ecological, democratic, and social. It emphasizes the importance of innovation, openness, and connectivity as guiding principles. The success of Stockholm's quality of life, economic competitiveness, and environmental performance hinges on the effective use of digital technologies for public benefit.

A cornerstone of the strategy is Stokab, the city-owned company that has operated Stockholm's open fibre-optic network since 1994. Stokab provides competition-neutral dark fibre infrastructure with extensive coverage, leasing capacity to telecom operators, businesses, public agencies, and organizations on equal terms. This publicly owned network makes Stockholm one of the most connected cities globally, supporting broadband connectivity, IoT deployment, and data centre operations.

The smart city initiative is organized into six project areas. Among these, three focus on urban interventions: smart locks for city buildings, smart and connected street lighting, and intelligent traffic management systems. Two projects address open and shared data and the technical conditions necessary for smart city deployment. A sixth category allows city agencies to apply for funding to develop innovative digital services in areas not otherwise covered by the strategy.

Two districts serve as primary testbeds for smart city solutions. The Royal Seaport (Norra Djurgårdsstaden) is a major urban development area that tests sustainable technologies such as IoT sensors, energy system optimization, and resource-efficient waste management. Kista Science City, home to numerous ICT companies and research institutions, acts as a hub for 5G development and digital innovation.

The strategy was developed through consultations involving residents, academia, and businesses. Its implementation requires coordination across municipal agencies and collaboration with private sector partners like Ericsson, which focuses on 5G and IoT, and Vattenfall, involved in renewable energy. Research institutions such as the KTH Royal Institute of Technology contribute to pilot projects and evaluations.

Key technological priorities include the Internet of Things, 5G connectivity, and the expansion of data centres that leverage Stockholm's cool climate and renewable energy sources. Practical applications include intelligent traffic management systems to reduce congestion, smart street lighting that adapts to conditions, and data-driven urban planning tools. Publicly accessible open data and innovation platforms also play vital roles.

Stockholm's smart city approach gained international acclaim when it was named Smart City of 2019 at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona. The jury recognized the strategy's integration of innovation, openness, and connectivity, which collectively enhance the quality of life for residents and create a conducive environment for businesses.