The Hague Shares Five Years of Smart City Innovations
The Hague, Sunday, 16 February 2025.
The Hague reveals valuable insights from a five-year journey of implementing smart city innovations, providing a roadmap for other urban areas to integrate technology and policy for improved urban living.
Comprehensive Smart Infrastructure
The Hague’s smart city initiative is built upon an extensive fiber optic network connecting various street facilities, including lampposts, kiosks, and charging stations [1]. This infrastructure enables the deployment of sensors, cameras, and network equipment for both above-ground and underground monitoring [1]. The city’s implementation aligns with broader European smart city goals, as The Hague is among 112 cities selected by the European Commission to achieve climate neutrality by 2030 [2].
Real-Time Crowd Management Success
A standout achievement is the Crowd Safety Manager (CSM), which provides real-time 3D mapping of crowd movements [1]. This system integrates data from multiple sources, including traffic registrations, parking systems, public transportation, and anonymized visitor information [1]. The practical application was demonstrated during the Invictus Games, where the system successfully managed crowd flow by directing visitors to alternative parking facilities [1].
Learning Through Trial and Error
The city’s approach demonstrates a pragmatic attitude toward innovation, with some projects being discontinued based on real-world performance and changing needs [1]. For instance, a pilot project for riot recognition was terminated due to technical limitations, while a smart camera system for detecting nitrous oxide use was suspended when the targeted behavior naturally declined [1]. This adaptive approach has helped the city focus resources on the most effective solutions [1][3].
Future-Focused Implementation
The Hague’s smart city journey emphasizes sustainable urban development through Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) [3]. The initiative focuses on breaking the ‘take-make-waste’ cycle while balancing human needs, economic viability, and environmental quality [3]. As of February 2025, these implementations continue to evolve, with ongoing efforts to leverage technology for improving residents’ quality of life and city services [3].