The City Protocol is an innovative program that aims to create a global network of cities, thus enabling a better understanding and collaboration among the different stakeholders (city governments, academia, institutions, companies, and society) that are involved in the development of more sustainable, efficient, cohesive and innovative smart cities. Its implementation is expected to deliver benefits both within and between cities, by addressing cities in an integrated, systematic way.

The idea is first of all to help cities identifying the features they have in common with others and then to connect those cities which are trying to solve similar problems. They would therefore be able to tackle them together and design common projects and policies, along with specific indicators and certifications. The program would also help finding the right partners from industry, research bodies or financial institutions, to ensure the best possible expertise globally.

The organization in charge of the management of the new program will be the City Protocol Society, a membership-based organization which will start operating from April 2013. Membership will be open to city councils, industry, research organizations and other agencies involved in city transformation. The largest representation will however be given to city councils, in order to ensure the best focus on the real needs of cities.

For more information please visit the program’s official website