Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 7

6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 7 by 2 Billion in the next 30 years, from 7.7 Billion to 9.7 Billion by 2050. Thus, the escalating demand for sustainable infrastructure due to increasing population and urbanization represents one of the key factors propelling the growth of the smart cities market. As a result, governing agencies of both the developed and emerging economies are implementing policies and regulations for the deployment of cloud-based services to develop, facilitate and track their smart city initiatives. These agencies are also investing in smart city technology to fight against the coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) outbreak as it can be employed to track the spread of the pandemic, monitor patients, reduce the infection rate, and implement different medical strategies. Additionally, as the establishment of smart cities helps utilize technologies and connect data sensors to ensure quality economic and environmental development, countries around the world are investing in smart city development. The rising adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions is providing a boost to the market growth. The utilization of AI-based CCTV cameras for facial recognition, sensors for smart parking assistance and smart traffic management systems are creating lucrative opportunities for the leading players in the smart cities industry. Besides this, intensifying urban migration and the rise in unplanned development is also fueling the need for smart cities worldwide. Advancements in energy infrastructure are also impelling market growth as numerous countries are facing threats in terms of grid reliability and maintenance of aging energy infrastructures. Smart cities provide improved infrastructure for the optimal utilization of energy and improve efficiency by implementing smart energy grids and related technologies. Furthermore, governance structures, technology ecosystems, advancements in infrastructure, and funding and financing models are some of the other factors anticipated to strengthen the growth of the smart cities market in the upcoming years. A smart city refers to a framework that utilizes information and communication technology (ICT) to deploy, develop and promote sustainable development in urban areas