Welcome to a new edition of our digest where we explore how cities are responding to the challenges of the digital age. We take a closer look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping urban systems and why the very technologies designed to drive progress may also put it at risk. Join the conversation!

Smart City Innovations

Algorithmic Zoning: How AI Is Redefining Urban Spaces

A recent study in urban planning, Generative Urban Modelling for Walkable Neighborhoods, shows that artificial intelligence can significantly optimize urban space and even simulate changes in environmental balance for each type of development.

At the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), researchers created a model that simultaneously accounts for pedestrian networks and vehicle flows, demonstrating that improving walkability does not necessarily mean reducing space for cars.

New systems of algorithmic zoning make it possible to plan city development not through static master plans but in real time. AI analyzes traffic, building density, climate indicators, and social patterns to suggest the most efficient land use.

Today, smart cities are already using algorithmic AI planning and digital twins to explore all possible “what if” scenarios, which is fundamentally transforming urban design. And when hundreds of sensors are integrated into an analytical platform, this data can be used in emergency management processes — for risk assessment, logistics coordination, and rapid response.

AI and the End of the Open Internet

Open information is under threat. Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince, along with a number of digital experts, has raised the alarm, warning that AI could “break the internet” within the next few years.

Prince describes a “frighteningly likely” scenario in which search engines evolve into answer generators that synthesize content instead of directing users to original sources.

This shift could undermine the very foundation of the open internet, as verified and official sources would lose traffic and eventually disappear.

• For urban platforms that rely on verified data, this is a clear warning: without trustworthy information, the identity and integrity of the public digital space are at risk.
• For cities that depend on open-data models or integrate citizen-facing services, the implications are serious — weakened trust, increased exposure to misinformation, and greater vulnerability in times of crisis.

Experts therefore emphasize the urgent need to strengthen digital immunity and to develop regulatory frameworks for monitoring and licensing AI-generated content before it overwhelms the public information ecosystem.

Research spotlight

Smart Cities of South Korea: AI Innovations Driving Sustainable Growth

In 2008, South Korea became the first country in the world to adopt legislation dedicated to smart cities (the U-City Act). Since then, it has consistently advanced a comprehensive national strategy for building an intelligent, data-driven society.

Today, South Korea showcases some of the most advanced applications of artificial intelligence in urban systems — improving transportation networks, public safety, and overall quality of life.

Notable projects are underway in Sejong and Busan, both designed around the digital twin concept. Sejong has become a national testbed for future mobility, where the transport ecosystem operates on the Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) model, integrating multiple transport modes into a unified digital platform. For residents, this means personalized, seamless access to mobility in just a few clicks.

Busan, in contrast, focuses on sustainability and energy efficiency. The city implements energy-saving systems, digital resource management, and an experimental smart energy and logistics platform that enables real-time testing of new technologies.

Together, these cities illustrate how strategic urban planning, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence can shape human-centered urban environments designed for sustainable growth and better living.

Information Epidemics: Building Digital Immunity for Communities

Artificial intelligence accelerates the spread of content and with it, misinformation. These information viruses erode trust, weaken critical thinking, and reduce a community’s capacity to respond to crises. According to the World Economic Forum Global Risks Report 2025, disinformation is recognized as one of the most significant global threats for the years ahead.

That is why every community must develop its own digital immunity — the ability to withstand misinformation, cyberattacks, and technical disruptions while maintaining connectivity, transparency, and effective governance.

What builds the digital immunity of a modern city:

1. Verified data: official and trusted sources that authenticate content before publication.

2. Unrestricted access to information: information gaps create fertile ground for misinformation.

3. Civic participation: citizens must be involved in decision-making and able to see tangible outcomes.

4. User-centered design: digital services should be intuitive and make access to reliable information effortless.

When residents can easily find information and trust its authenticity, they are better equipped to resist misinformation. Therefore, cities should prioritize verified digital communication channels as their main source of public information.

To further strengthen digital immunity, municipalities should conduct public education campaigns on disinformation resilience and regularly test their crisis communication systems through digital platforms.

MISTO at Nordic Fund Day: Resilience Tech Community Goes Global

On October 22, 2025, the MISTO team took part in Nordic Fund Day in Oslo — one of Europe’s leading platforms for presenting innovative startups in urban development, infrastructure, and social impact technologies. The event brought together top investors and founders, emphasizing the growing importance of sustainable and resilient solutions for the future of cities. 

MISTO was selected among 11 startups invited to showcase their work to an international investment community. We’re grateful to Nordic Edge for this unique opportunity to share our ResilienceTech expertise and demonstrate how data-driven innovation can strengthen urban systems.

We are proud to have presented our hashtag innovation ecosystem before global industry leaders on a platform that opens doors for new partnerships and international cooperation.

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