Overview - ISO/IEC 30145-1:2021 (Smart city business process framework)
ISO/IEC 30145-1:2021 defines a generic business process framework for smart cities as part of the Smart City ICT reference framework. Part 1 focuses exclusively on smart city–specific processes, identifying (but not detailing) generic business processes shared with commercial organizations. The standard is outcome‑based, uses a simple single‑layer architecture, and treats a smart city as an IT‑intensive system of systems that integrates processes through ICT to realize city outcomes.
Key aims:
- Create a common language and classification for smart city processes
- Enable cities to assess and compare business processes and identify best practices
- Provide a foundation for further detailed work (knowledge and engineering frameworks)
Key topics and technical scope
The document structures 21 business processes into three categories:
- Governance processes (5) - e.g., Leadership (G1), Stakeholder Engagement, Integrated Management, Sustainability & Resilience Management, External Interface Management. These drive strategy, policy, resource allocation and cross‑department coordination.
- Core processes (10) - city service domains that make a city “smart,” including Health, Social Care & Wellness; Education & Research; Smart Infrastructure & Building; Integrated Transportation; Resources Management; Environment Management; Safety & Security; Economic Development; Culture & Entertainment; Tourism.
- Supporting processes (6) - enabling capabilities such as Enterprise Processes; Smart Legal & Regulatory Systems; Integrated Portfolio Management; Open Innovation; Knowledge Management; Integrated Engineering.
Other technical highlights:
- Outcome‑based characterization of processes to align with city vision (well‑being, transparency, sustainability, resilience, economic development, innovation).
- Mapping methodology (Clause 8) to translate the standard framework to a city’s existing processes (three staged approach).
- Annex A maps the framework to ISO 37106 to assist integration with smart city governance guidance.
Practical applications and intended users
Who uses it:
- City CIOs, city leaders and planners, public sector program managers
- Urban architects, enterprise architects, systems engineers and ICT integrators
- Policy makers, procurement teams and vendors delivering smart city solutions
How it’s used:
- Establishing governance and cross‑department processes for smart city programs
- Scoping and aligning ICT projects with city outcomes and priorities
- Benchmarking and comparing process maturity across cities to adopt best practices
- Informing procurement, systems integration and roadmap planning tied to ISO/IEC 30145‑2 (Knowledge) and 30145‑3 (Engineering)
Related standards
- ISO/IEC 30145 series - Part 2: Knowledge management framework; Part 3: Engineering framework
- Annex A: mapping to ISO 37106 (smart city planning and governance)
Keywords: ISO/IEC 30145-1:2021, smart city business process framework, smart city governance, ICT reference framework, knowledge management, integrated engineering, smart city outcomes.