The future of smart cities starts with smarter access
Cities are becoming more connected, more digital and more data-driven. Yet the future of urban living will not be shaped by building entirely new smart cities. It will be shaped by how effectively we modernize the buildings and infrastructure that already surround us.
In this white paper, Smart cities and buildings, unlocked, we explore how digital access is becoming a critical foundation for smarter cities, smarter buildings and better urban experiences. Drawing on insights from futurist Thimon de Jong and iLOQ Chief Technology Officer Timo Ainali, the paper examines how secure access is evolving from a simple security function into a connected platform that enables interoperability, sustainability, operational efficiency and seamless user experiences.
What you’ll learn
Smart cities are built around people
Discover why the most successful smart-city innovations are not the most visible technologies, but the ones that work quietly in the background to improve everyday life, trust and well-being.
Why existing buildings matter
Around 85% of European buildings and approximately 80% of the buildings expected to exist in the United States in 2050 have already been built. The paper explores why retrofitting intelligence into existing buildings is one of the biggest opportunities in smart-city development.
Access is becoming a platform
Learn how access management is evolving from mechanical keys and standalone locks into integrated digital ecosystems that connect buildings, users, services and data.
Interoperability drives smarter cities
Explore how open APIs, cloud platforms and digital credentials help create intelligent building services that work together seamlessly.
Security, sustainability and resilience
Understand how battery-free smart access supports long-term sustainability goals, reduces maintenance and provides reliable operation across residential, commercial and critical-infrastructure environments.
Why this matters
The future of smart cities will not be determined by how much technology we install, but by how effectively we integrate it into the places where we already live and work. Secure, scalable and sustainable access management will play a critical role in helping cities, buildings and infrastructure adapt to changing expectations and new digital services.
iLOQ’s battery-free smart-access technology demonstrates how existing buildings can be upgraded quickly and cost-effectively, helping create more connected and more efficient environments without major infrastructure changes.
