NIST Publishes Final Version of the Strategic Plan for the Global Community Technology Challenge (GCTC)

The Smart Connected Systems Division (SCSD) has published the final version of a long-range strategic plan for the NIST Smart Cities Infrastructure program and the Global Community Technology Challenge (GCTC). NIST Special Publication 1900-207 was the culmination of a nearly two-year collaboration between NIST research staff and over 30 members of the GCTC leadership, who represented over 200 communities, cities, non-profit organizations, private sector businesses, and research institutions that have participated in GCTC collaborations since the program’s founding in 2014. From 02 February to 31 March 2024, the draft document was posted for public comment on the SCSD website and received additional input that broadened the collaboration and helped to refine the document. The final version is now available through the NIST publications website.

More than simply a federal program guide, the GCTC Strategic Plan describes a vision for the national smart cities movement as it has evolved over the last decade. This vision has become apparent not only in the NIST research program, but also through the numerous smart cities conferences, workshops, federal and state agency initiatives and research efforts, and a host of urban and rural technology development and integration efforts nationwide. Five objectives were established for the GCTC and articulated in the Strategic Plan:

1. Support the smart city movement by nurturing integrated, multi-disciplinary research in strategies and technologies across technical, jurisdictional, and geographic boundaries;
2. Identify and address capability gaps and challenges and assist in developing frameworks, analytic methods, and resources to build a scientific foundation for smart cities and communities;
3. Facilitate collaboration with federal, state, county, and municipal partners to define and validate technology requirements, metrics, and standards for enhancing community services and operations;
4. Engage with international partners and allies to enhance cross-border interoperability, international standards development, and mutual objectives for environmental sustainability and resilience, economic growth, and common values for sharing the benefits of advanced technology integration; and
5. Sponsor opportunities for enhancing programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) and other interdisciplinary educational programs to engage the next generation of scientists, engineers, technologists, community leaders, and citizens while contributing to local and regional workforce development goals.

Over the last decade, these criteria have come to characterize the manner in which smart cities and communities have collaboratively engaged to integrate advanced technologies to benefit their communities and improve the quality of life for their residents.

As the NIST Smart Cities program and GCTC continue to evolve into the dynamic future we all envision, these objectives should continue to guide cities, communities, and organizations in building a more secure, efficient, and equitable society.