SERBIA AND SMART CITIES

The "smart city" concept is based on the wide use of information and communication technologies. The Internet of Things is the key to the new opportunities to collect and analyze the data needed to create a more pleasant environment. It will connect all the smart-city elements and turn them into a coherent mechanism. Under many definitions, a smart city is a city with good functionality and a perspective on the economy, management, mobility, and environment. At the same time, the city is "sustainable" if it is composed of activities of independent and conscious citizens who can make their own decisions. For the further development of the current smart cities and also the contenders for that title, constant state support for new projects is necessary. After discussing the general criteria for smart cities, the authors considered smart cities in Serbia. Also, they discussed the application of the geographic information system, activities of communal services, eGovernment, and some solutions that are already in use. The authors gave a critical review of shortcomings in practice and inconsistencies in the smart-cities creation in Serbia. They pointed out that the authorities are taking steps toward the digitalization of cities, trying to involve citizens in the decision-making process, realizing that the development of smart cities has a positive impact on the national economy. But also, it must be done more decisively and efficiently, primarily in the field of legislation and project financing.