The year 2026 will require Polish local governments to implement mature, responsible and legally compliant Smart City solutions. Insights from this year’s Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona and the Smart City Forum in Warsaw clearly show that the era of spectacular tech gadgets is over. Local authorities now face real regulatory, procurement, organizational and cybersecurity challenges that will determine the success of urban investments in the coming years. This is the moment when technology stops being the main problem — and the principles governing its selection, implementation and oversight become crucial.
AI in Public Administration: Governance Over Automation
Cities are increasingly embracing AI-based tools — from intelligent citizen service systems and automated applications, to traffic management and predictive energy analytics. Yet, in line with the global shift toward “AI for Cities, not AI in Cities,” transparency and accountability are becoming the top priority. Public administrations must understand what data the algorithm uses, what decisions it makes, and what risks it may pose to citizens’ rights.
“Implementing AI without clear policies and audits is asking for trouble. We must know not only what the algorithm does, but also on what basis it operates,” emphasizes Bartłomiej Tkaczyk, attorney-at-law and partner at LEGALLY.SMART.
“The risk of algorithmic discrimination is one of the biggest challenges of the coming years, particularly in areas where AI affects access to public services.”
“Future-Proof” Public Procurement: The End of Costly Vendor Lock-In
A growing number of local governments are now grappling with a painful consequence of tech purchases made years ago: systems that cannot be expanded or integrated without full dependence on a single vendor. In 2026, more cities are shifting toward modular procurement, defining interoperability and technological neutrality as non-negotiable requirements.
“The biggest risk in Smart City procurement is buying closed systems. A system must be replaceable, upgradable and integrable — otherwise local governments risk falling into a costly trap. Vendor lock-in is not just a technical issue; it is a serious financial and legal risk that can paralyze a city for years,” notes attorney-at-law Michał Liżewski, partner at LEGALLY.SMART.
Urban Data as a Strategic Resource: From IoT Sensors to City Data Platforms
The year 2026 will mark the transition from isolated sensors and stand-alone apps to fully integrated urban data platforms. Digital twins — virtual models of cities — are becoming essential tools not just for urban planners but also for infrastructure managers, utility operators, and transport authorities.
With this evolution comes growing legal complexity: ownership of data generated by private partners, rules for sharing it, and responsibility for data quality. During this year’s congress in Barcelona, the message was clear: a city that does not control its data cannot build or meaningfully use digital models.
“What resonated strongly in Barcelona is that urban data is becoming the foundation of urban management. Local governments must know who owns the data and under what conditions it can be integrated,” says Tkaczyk.
Cybersecurity: Cities No Longer Ask “If,” but “When”
Transport systems, waterworks, energy grids, traffic monitoring, and urban data platforms — these are among the most frequent targets of cyberattacks. Experts agree that in the coming years, the priority will be not only incident response but primarily prevention: updating cybersecurity strategies, conducting penetration tests, and enforcing vendor accountability for the security of the systems they maintain.
“Lack of procedures, outdated security policies, or insufficient oversight of contractors can lead to legal liability for local governments. Cybersecurity is becoming one of the pillars of Smart City development, not a technological add-on,” stresses Liżewski.
Digital Inclusion and Participation 4.0: A Smart City Must Be a City for Everyone
Both the Barcelona Expo and the Smart City Forum in Poland highlighted a common theme: a Smart City must be inclusive. Many digital services — while efficient — may unintentionally exclude seniors, residents with limited digital access, or people with disabilities.
In 2026, the standard will be to design services that are accessible, understandable and supported by analogue alternatives. Only then can cities avoid investments that generate social resistance or legal disputes.
“Smart City projects most often fail not because of technology, but because they overlook the needs of residents. Participation 4.0 is a preventive mechanism that protects cities from conflicts and failed initiatives,” Tkaczyk explains.
Smart City 2026: Strategic Choices, Responsible Procurement and Risk Management
As experts from LEGALLY.SMART summarize, technology is no longer the main challenge — the challenge is its responsible application. Today, urban digital transformation requires not just better tools but smarter implementation. Responsible data governance, thoughtful procurement, AI policies, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion will become, in 2026, the cornerstones of modern, safe and resilient cities.
Source: https://ceo.com.pl/koniec-technologicznych-gadzetow-czas-na-odpowiedzialne-smart-city-61362
