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<\/a><\/a>\nTo help city leaders navigate this path, global research firm ThoughtLab<\/a> today announced the formation of a multi-stakeholder research coalition to develop an evidence-based AI playbook and benchmarking model for cities. Coalition members include leaders from across the urban ecosystem, including Dell Technologies, FedEx, FTI Consulting, General Motors, Intel, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Wireside Communications.<\/p> \nThe flagship research program, Building an AI-First City,<\/i><\/b> will analyze the AI strategies, investment plans, and performance results of hundreds of worldwide cities. The study will draw on proprietary benchmarking data, a curated repository of municipal AI strategies and policy documents, and in-depth collaboration with public-sector leaders, innovators, and technology partners.<\/p> \n\"AI is triggering a new era of urban transformation that will fundamentally reshape how cities provide value and services to residents, businesses, and communities,\u201d said Lou Celi, CEO of ThoughtLab. \"The research will equip urban leaders with evidence-based insights, valuable benchmarks, and proven strategies to deploy AI responsibly, securely and effectively. Our goal is to help cities harness AI into a force multiplier to drive economic growth, social impact, and sustainability, while being sensitive to citizen concerns.\u201d<\/p> \nA comprehensive view into AI innovation across cities<\/b><\/p> \nThe study will examine the full spectrum of latest AI solutions, including agentic, generative, edge, multimodal, physical AI, and sovereign AI\u2014and their integration with critical urban systems, such as digital twins, cloud platforms, IoT, and data center infrastructure. It will highlight the most successful use cases across key urban domains, including:<\/p> \nIn parallel, ThoughtLab economists will develop the first rigorous urban AI maturity model and barometer, assessing the progress of 200 cities against seven pillars of AI best practice, including:<\/p> \nThe research will be conducted over the summer and released on November 3rd<\/sup> at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona. The study will also be made available at no cost to city leaders, businesses, academic institutions, and community organizations worldwide.<\/p> \nOrganizations interested in supporting this research initiative are encouraged to connect with ThoughtLab to learn about available sponsorship opportunities. Municipal leaders, public officials and city administrators should also reach out to ThoughtLab to participate in the study and share insights. To learn more or to explore opportunities, visit www.thoughtlabgroup.com<\/b><\/a>.<\/p> \nAbout ThoughtLab<\/b><\/p> \nThoughtLab<\/b> is an innovative thought leadership firm that creates innovative thinking and actionable insights through rigorous research and evidence-based analysis. We specialize in assessing the economic, financial, and social impact of technology on cities, companies and industries. Our services include fielding business, consumer, investor, and government surveys; organizing executive interviews, meetings, and advisory groups; conducting economic modeling, benchmarking, and performance analysis; and developing white papers, eBooks, infographics, and interactive analytical tools. Find out more on www.thoughtlabgroup.com<\/a>.<\/p> \nFor more information, contact:<\/b><\/p> \nLou Celi\n\n
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