Sustainable and smart: the paradoxes of urban mobility innovations

Innovation is how cities can instigate systemic change. However, there are many success factors characterising highly innovative cities. Through direct engagement and qualitative interviews with 40 cities worldwide, the UITP Urban Mobility Innovation Index (UMii) showcases the latest innovations, as well as the gaps where cities could improve their focus towards reaching their longer-term societal goals. This paper defines the concept of innovation together with its different types and purposes and briefly presents the UMii framework and the data collection process. The results of the study reveal that highly innovative cities a) setclear long term goals b) consult closely with citizens and stakeholders c) break down regulatory and financial barriers d) ensuring that promising technological innovations are assessed for their wider impact on people and the environment.