The System Complexities of Smart Cities and the Systems Approach for Standardization

Abstract

Smart Cities is a complex systems-of-systems containing subsystems and technologies that have advanced over time. As the needs grow for more sustainable, reliable, and affordable services in smart cities, the system requirements and interoperability needs also grow. Standards are developed to enable and support such technology needs but working with complex systems requires a more systematic and holistic approach. This chapter walks through the evolution of the electric meter and how it has evolved into an advanced, data generating device that is part of a larger system. Then, we examine the role of the standards community and its adaptation to a more systems perspective. The chapter ends in examining the systems life cycle and key factors in evaluating complex systems for the development of standards.