The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan adopted the framework for the implementation of “Smart City” technologies in Uzbekistan. This framework entails the introduction of information and communication technologies into various areas of life.

The framework of the “Smart City” is to be implemented in four stages. The first stage is scheduled for 2019–2021 and envisages assessing existing infrastructure in the cities and analyzing available assets. During the second phase, which is scheduled for 2022-2024, the government will elaborate on the implementation and financing strategy, define the action plan, assess possible risks and identify post-implementation assessment criteria. The third phase implies detailed planning, efficiency forecasting as well as the implementation of information systems. Implementing the technologies and evaluating the project’s effectiveness is the final stage scheduled for 2028-2030.

Though Uzbekistan is making its first steps to introduce smart technologies, some pilot projects like “Safe City,” “Smart Transport,” “Smart Medicine” and “Smart Counters” are already underway in Tashkent. Such projects include the introduction of modern infrastructure in the city of Nurafshan and the construction of Tashkent City and Delta City.

The resolution emphasizes that the main hurdle hindering the effective implementation of smart technologies is the obsolescence of information, communication and urban infrastructure, which requires significant investments. With due regard to international experience, the framework also envisages the participation of business in tackling social problems through the public-private partnership. Notably, the Draft Law on Public-Private Partnership was prepared and publicly reviewed in December 2018. The adoption of the Law is expected in the first half of 2019.Thus, the main sectors for the implementation of smart technologies are defined as follows:

“Smart transport” is a system where vehicles and transport infrastructure are interconnected to monitor and control the traffic flows using the GPS monitoring and mobile phone operators’ data. Development of smart transport will foster the improvement of traffic condition and increase the mobility and ultimately reduce the average time to cover distance. To reach these ambitious goals, the framework contemplates implementing the following:

• Introducing automatized on-line transport management system, monitoring traffic flows and traffic conditions;
• Introducing automatized traffic situation notification system;
• Introducing public transport management software;
• Introducing ‘smart parking’ identifying the number and location of parking lots;
• Introducing electronic payment system for public transport and toll roads;
• Introducing a network of electric vehicles charging stations.

“Smart Education” implies the implementation of innovative technologies, including online educational platforms and programs as well as virtual reality technology into education. Among other things, smart education also includes:

• Introducing artificial intelligence in the education system with the capacity to assess students’ performance;
• Introducing educational online-platforms;
• Introducing distance and e-learning;
• Introducing a system integrating online and offline study methodologies;
• Introducing adaptive and mobile learning.

“Smart healthcare” is a centralized system of automatized healthcare information support system. The implementation of smart healthcare envisages:

• Introducing the unified online platform for storing patients’ biomedical data;
• Introducing the electronic medical record sheet;
• Introducing remote diagnostics and a health monitoring system based on the internet of things and mobile applications;
• Introducing virtual health examination;
• Introducing virtual hospital services;
• Introducing electronic prescriptions;
• Introducing evidence-based medicine with the use of artificial intelligence;
• Introducing artificial intelligence technologies for analyzing medical data, predicting morbidity, disease progress and recovery;
• Introducing result based payment methodology.

“Smart grid” is a sustainable, efficient and reliable energy system where production facilities, infrastructure and consumption are integrated and coordinated by consumer-oriented services and technologies. Smart grid project presumes:  

• Introducing online data collection and analysis system;
• Introducing emergency shutdown management system;
• Installation of autonomous sensors to monitor the voltage pattern;
• Introducing hybrid batteries, superconducting drives, lithium batteries of a new generation;
• Introducing the internet of things based digital platforms ensuring the integrity of all types of facilities, data collection and analysis;
• Introducing smart metering systems with consumption analysis capacity.

“Smart water supply and sewage” system is an online management system of hydraulic models, automatized water intake and disposal and leakage identification facilities implemented by the integration of distribution systems, security, control, storm wastewater management and flood warning systems. To achieve the goals the system contemplates: 

• Introducing record keeping and consumption analysis systems;
• Introducing e-maps of water distribution and sewage systems;
• Installation of sensory devices and pressure control switches in water supply and sewage systems;
• Introducing the automation systems for operation control centers;
• Introducing water supply shutoff system for in case of leakage;
• Introducing heating shutoff system in case of emergency.

“Smart housing and public utilities” is a sustainable and efficient system in which delivery and consumption of utilities is ensured by the application of intellectual billing, monitoring and control services. Implementation of smart housing and utilities involves:  

• Introducing automated metering systems with data transmission facilities;
• Introducing data transmission facilities with capacity to send energy efficiency reports;
• Introducing online platforms ensuring control over the quality of utilities;
• Introducing a payment monitoring system;
• Introducing a housing infrastructure control system;
• Introducing an energy efficiency system;
• Introducing an efficient water consumption system;
• Introducing open customer service platforms. 

“Smart house” is an intellectual operation system consolidating all utilities and services into a single system, monitored and operated by artificial intelligence, programed and adjusted in accordance with the needs of the householder. In particular smart house implementation includes:

• Introducing fire and security alarm systems;
• Introducing an access control system;
• Introducing an emergency control system;
• Installing a lightning management system;
• Controlling energy consumption, avoiding peak loads;
• Introducing intelligent sensory heat monitoring systems, air conditioning control, heat distribution optimization;
• Monitoring and controlling house facilities remotely.

It is important to note, that global law firm Dentons’ Smart Cities & Communities Initiative and Think Tank helps cities and communities take advantage of technological developments that enable the integration of essential services. Bringing together the resources of the world’s largest law firm and leaders of municipal government, businesses, innovators and stakeholders, we help communities craft innovative legal, economic and policy solutions to societal challenges in an era of accelerating technological change.