Understanding the challenge
Cities are complex, dynamic structures, that are difficult to predict and manage – with issues arising every day in public safety, economic stability, energy security, environmental integrity, independent living, mobility, transport efficiency, communications, built environment and civic governance.
In a rapidly urbanising world, competitive cities must respond to these challenges to provide the range and quality of services expected by residents, businesses and visitors. This is especially difficult in times of rising demand and decreasing resources. Successful cities will be those that find new ways of understanding these dynamics and provide creative solutions to the issues these generate.
What we can offer
Cities must constantly evolve to remain relevant, viable and attractive.
As the UK's Future City Demonstrator city, Glasgow has developed considerable early expertise in the design, development and application of future city solutions across a range of urban challenges.
A key support to this has been University of Glasgow research in big data, open data, transportation, energy, public safety, health, environment, communications, demography and climate change.
Recognising an increasing demand for this knowledge, the University is developing a broad portfolio of research activity directly relevant to the emerging needs of cities.
Grouped around the four main themes of transportation, data, population and environment this research forms a solid core of expertise around which city leaders, business partners and research collaborators can engage.
Our themes: