Blog: Our Blueprint for Smart City Success

Sunderland features in a new global smart cities report launched at the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos.

The ‘Blueprint for Liveable Economies’ report explores how city leaders are making positive changes using design, investment, and a focus on people and places. For Sunderland to feature alongside other global smart cities in the report is a great recognition of how our innovations are improving lives. Here we explore the winning blueprint for smart city success.

In 2019, Sunderland City Council launched our Smart City Programme, using a whole-systems approach and public-private partnerships, including a 20-year joint venture with Boldyn Networks and collaborations with Microsoft and CityFibre. This long-term model signals our appetite for sustained investment rather than ad-hoc projects. 

Underpinned by a ‘network of networks’, we’ve been deploying digital solutions across transport, health, education, and public safety — such as assistive technologies in more than 6,800 homes, 5G connectivity at major venues, autonomous mobility shuttles, and Smart Playparks with interactive play equipment.  

Explaining the ethos behind it all, Patrick Melia OBE, Sunderland City Council’s Chief Executive, says:

“Our smart city journey isn’t about technology for its own sake; it’s about using innovation to improve lives. Technology only realises its value when it’s inclusive and accessible.  

“Connectivity transforms how people experience the city, from free Wi-Fi and apps that make it easier to navigate, to digital platforms that strengthen community engagement. We measure our success by what these connections enable — families finding activities, visitors discovering local businesses, residents engaging with their city.”  

At the heart of Sunderland’s approach is our Smart City Data Platform, which integrates millions of data points for real-time dashboards, predictive modelling, and scenario planning.  

• City planning and events dashboards integrate real-time data on footfall, spend and travel patterns to help the Business Improvement District and partners create safer, more vibrant city experiences and events 

• Environmental hotspot mapping visualises data on waste, air quality and fly-tipping to identify problem areas and plan targeted interventions 

• Community insights combine demographic, economic and community data to help the council and partners better understand residents’ needs and direct support where it has the greatest impact 

• Digital exclusion modelling analyses broadband usage and socio-economic indicators to identify households at risk of digital exclusion, guiding the rollout of Digital Health Hubs, device donation schemes and social broadband campaigns 

• Social care data integration uses anonymised assessment and case data to forecast demand, identify repeat contacts and apply AI to detect trends and improve care outcomes 

This integrated approach has accelerated delivery and unlocked measurable benefits, identifying 670 additional pupils eligible for Free School Meals and channelling £1.1 million in support. We’ve also reached more than 30,000 residents through digital inclusion campaigns and supported 104,000 people via our 37 Digital Health Hubs. 

Patrick adds: 

“The real impact is social and economic: more footfall, stronger business ties, and inclusive access to information. For us, smart transformation isn’t about scale or budget; it’s about vision, partnerships, and trust.” 

Read more in KPMG’s Blueprint for Liveable Economies report.