Foreword

China is now poised to become a technological and ecological leader in the world economy. Chinese leaders are laying out global development strategies with their extremely wise vision and thinking. The“Book Series Smart City Practice”（hereinafter refferred to as“Book Series”）are published as the key research achievements of the“Chinese National 13th Five-Year Plan”. The project fills the gap in research of smart city worldwide. It is also the leading action to explore and guide the operation of smart cities and industrial practice. The publication of the“Book Series”proves that the vision of author and the leadership of CAPPC and the International Smart City Research Institute is very strong and focused.

In order to maintain China's ability to thrive and compete in the international marketplace, China must keep pace with a movement that is sweeping the globe. That movement is the evolution of what is being referred to as a Smart City. Chinese Government, as well as the technology researchers and developers, have already started city innovation to avoid failing behind other countries.

The purpose of developing China's Smart City is to promote economic development, to improve environmental conditions and the quality of life of citizens in China. The goal of becoming a Smart Country can only be achieved by building the proper infrastructure in which to build upon. The infrastructure will improve interoperability, security and communication across all segments of Chinese communities. Building the infrastructure will result in an“ Embrace and Replace”solution. The current aging infrastructures will become more efficient and China will be able to realize a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) across all segments.

Once implemented, China will realize a significant increase in the ratio of discretionary budget. The savings created by improved efficiencies in using current infrastructure means leaping economic development can occur without the need for additional funds to the general budgets.

An essential element of China's development to becoming a Smart Country will be the cooperation between the public and private sectors. Each must share the common objective to reduce the carbon emission. Teamwork will be valued and community pride is instilled. Once this is accomplished, the end result will be an enhancement of the lives of citizens.

I commend the authors that produced this“Book Series”, Mr. Wu Honghui, President of International Smart City Research Institute and Mr. Long Chen. By release of this“Book Series”, all cities will have a foundation to rely on that will work in unison and achieving the goals of lower carbon emissions, lower overall costs on infrastructure, reduced energy consumption, cleaner environment and a more sustainable life for all Chinese citizens. More importantly, this“Book Series”will be the reference for the smart city industrial and technology development, as well as the model template for practitioners .

Setting a smart city vision and effectively moving towards it with a foundation-based strategy is essential. A systems-based approach is critical to ensuring resource efficiency and security all while maintaining socially and environmentally inclusive growth. With the cooperation between the Government and Private Sectors throughout China, the rewards for China's initiative to transform into a Smart Country will span economic, environmental and social bounds.

The aforementioned efforts allow China to develop in a more Sound way and the ultimate benefit will be increased health and living standards for all Chinese citizens. China will be the “Beacon” for the world to referred to when they also want a better life for all.

Michael Holdmann

IEEE/ISO/IEC - 21541 - Member Working Group
UPn P+- IOT, Cloud and Data Model Task Force
SRII - Global Leadership Board
IPC-2-17 - Data Connect Factory Committee Member
Founder, Chairman & CEO of CYTIOT, INC.