The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s ( NIST ) Smart Connected Systems Division is in charge of the Global Community Technology Challenge ( GCTC ), a U.S. program for smart cities and communities. Cities and communities, local and state governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, universities, and research institutes committed to enhancing the urban environment through the integration of digital technologies joined forces to form the GCTC in 2014.
The federal smart cities program led by NIST and communities, cities, and regions across the nation are once again working together, according to the GCTC program’s first Strategic Plan ( 2024–2026 ), which describes a three-year research and development program. The GCTC Strategic Plan is based on three main objectives:
- For the GCTC, the NIST Smart Cities Infrastructure program, and the larger smart cities community, create a research-based, scientific foundation.
- To address current issues and achieve the equitable distribution of outcomes for community residents, businesses, and organizations, expand the scope and agenda of smart cities.
- Enhance the national public-private partnership of smart city initiatives, academic institutions, private businesses, and the upcoming generation of scientists, researchers, community leaders.
In order to enhance the general quality of life for community members, the GCTC is divided into twelve technology sectors, each of which corresponds to a city’s infrastructure systems, services, and programs.
A final version of this document will be published this Spring after changes are made to address the received feedback. NIST is seeking public feedback on the new strategy and will review all stakeholder comments.  , The GCTC Strategic Plan is available for public comment until February 29, 2024, as an Initial Public Draft, for free download from the NIST Special Publication library. Your opinion is needed! GCTCinfo]at ] nist instructions for comment submission. On page i of the document, which can be accessed directly at: https ://doi .org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1900-207.ipd, you can find the Strategic Plan’s government ( GCTCinfo]at ]nist]dot]gov.