In the increasingly digital world, smart cities are gaining traction, with digital identity as a crucial foundation. It provides a secure and reliable means for user authentication, enabling smooth access to services, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring an exceptional citizen experience.

A standout example of the efficacy of digital identity in building a smart city is Estonia. In this digitally progressive nation, citizens have a digital ID to access various services, including healthcare, education, and government e-services. This strategy has propelled Estonia into being one of the world's most digitalized countries.

VIDA Digital Identity had the opportunity to share its insights on the pivotal role of digital identity in the evolution of smart cities at the "Smart City Solution Days" event held in Surabaya from June 14-16, 2023. The key points highlighted during our presentation included:

• The foundation of secure access: In a smart city, countless services require secure access. Whether public transportation, healthcare services, or government e-services, digital identity provides a trusted and secure method for user authentication.

• Efficiency enhancer: Offering a unified, reliable way for user authentication, digital identity can streamline and simplify accessing services, saving citizens and businesses precious time and resources.
• Promoter of exceptional citizen experience: Rapid and hassle-free service access often translates into greater citizen satisfaction. Digital identity can help create a more convenient, efficient, and user-friendly environment for all residents.

The "Smart City Solution Days 2023" in Surabaya was a valuable platform for increasing awareness about the importance of smart city development in Indonesia, fostering knowledge sharing, best practice exchange, and networking amongst leaders in the smart city field.

VIDA Digital Identity is committed to assisting cities in building secure, trusted digital ecosystems. We are inspired by Estonia's successful model, which showcases how digital identity can transform urban environments. We can establish more secure, efficient, and citizen-friendly spaces through collaborative endeavors.

Some noteworthy data points from Estonia's digital identity implementation demonstrate the potential benefits:

• The digital ID system has resulted in a 99% reduction in paper documents.
• The system saves citizens an average of 17 hours per year on paperwork.
• Government services' speed has increased by 75% due to the system.
• Fraud incidents have been reduced by 95% post the system's implementation.

The event also yielded some key takeaways for developing future smart cities:

• Digital identity is indispensable for the future of smart cities.
• Data and analytics play a key role in improving city services.
• Smart transportation and mobility solutions can significantly reduce traffic congestion and enhance air quality.
• Renewable energy and smart grids can help cities reduce their fossil fuel reliance and increase energy efficiency.
• Livability and sustainability are cornerstones of city design, striving to meet the needs of citizens and the environment.

When creating a smart city, these factors need careful consideration. By incorporating digital identity, data and analytics, smart transportation and mobility solutions, renewable energy and smart grids, and a focus on livability and sustainability, cities can ensure a better future for their citizens.

To learn more about how VIDA Digital Identity can assist your city in its digital transformation journey, please visit our website or contact us today.