Global cities face ongoing disruption and complex social, environmental and economic pressures. Urban developments which lack resilience and agility will be unable to adapt to evolving demands. Bold vision, innovation and collaboration are needed to create infrastructure, buildings and services that are robust and flexible enough to stand the test of time and support sustainable and inclusive city living in the decades to come.  

Progressive designs and advanced technologies are at the forefront of initiatives shaping transformation, but how do we ensure that smart cities connect the real and digital worlds effectively and meet the diverse needs of residents? In Berlin, new forward-looking strategies are focused on updating and reviving neighbourhoods throughout the city, and inclusion and the environment are high on the agenda.  A hundred and twenty five years ago, the original Siemensstadt was founded; now Siemensstadt Square aims to convert an industrial area into a modern and innovative suburb that will serve as a blueprint for future cities. 

The Future Cities Briefing: Berlin, organised by the Financial Times in partnership with Siemens, was an online gathering of policy-makers, business leaders and innovators and was the last in a series of city briefings, including New York, Johannesburg and Singapore. The discussion focused on the hybrid approach to developing smart low-carbon cities in a way that helps safeguard the planet and enables business to flourish and people to thrive.

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