News

Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia

November 2023

On November 9, 2023, the Smart City Institute Japan (SCI-Japan) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Australia during the Smart City Expo World Congress 2023 held in Barcelona, Spain.

Purpose of the MoU

RMIT, with its Centre for Urban Research, the largest urban research hub in the southern hemisphere, is advancing research on the sustainability of cities. The “Liveability Indicators” developed by RMIT is adopted as a policy tool for urban design and operation in major cities across Australia, including Melbourne. SCI-Japan is collaborating with RMIT in various forms, such as to developing the “Liveable Well-Being City Indicator” tailored for Japan. SCI-Japan will collaborate with RMIT, a leading force in urban research, in areas such as joint research on smart cities, information dissemination, and talent development.

Left: Takehiko Nagumo, Executive Managing Director of SCI-Japan
Right: Dr. Marta Fernandez, Executive Director of RMIT Europe

About the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT):
RMIT is a university based in Melbourne, Australia, founded in 1887. Its Centre for Urban Research is dedicated to advancing research on development of sustainable cities and communities. RMIT also has a European base, RMIT Europe, located in Barcelona.

About the Smart City Expo World Congress:
The Smart City Expo World Congress is the world’s largest event focused on smart cities. Since 2011, it has been held annually in Barcelona, Spain. This event brings together government officials, businesses, and experts from around the globe for the exchange of information and ideas. In the 2023 edition, a total of 25,300 attendees from over 140 countries participated. Starting from the 2022 edition, SCI-Japan has been organizing the exhibition of the Japan Pavilion at the event.