The advancement of technology has been the key marker of the modern era, and smart technologies are at the forefront of our collective advancement. From smart security measures and intelligent home systems to infrastructure and urban planning, smart solutions are transforming the way we live, work, and interact with our environment.

It is natural, that as technology advances at an unprecedented rate, we scale upwards, and integrate said technologies into cities and urban environments. Enter the smart city, an urban environment that holds promise to increase the quality of life and well-being of its residents. Smart cities offer to enhance urban transit, integrate the Internet of Things (IoT) into our homes, utilize renewable energy technologies to mitigate our effects on the climate, enhance our governance systems, and more.

The world in its current state requires a comprehensive sustainable shift. A new methodology to shift contemporary irresponsible and destructive practices that cause the degradation of our environment. Smart cities revolutionize the way we perceive cities and introduce a fresh set of urban methodologies. One facet of smart urban planning is introducing smart mobility, where smart technologies are utilized to improve traffic flow, optimize public transportation systems, and reduce carbon emissions from automobiles. Moreover, revolutionary concepts such as drone commuting and delivery services offer to severely lessen the environmental impact of logistical operations from companies around the globe. On the topic of companies and business, smart Human Relations and community management systems are also streamlining the entrepreneurial management process, and aim to improve productivity, while maintaining a healthy work environment that is inclusive, nurturing, and diverse.

The greatest hurdle to tackle, contemporarily, is that of energy sourcing. Fossil fuels remain, by far, the most utilized source of energy in many countries around the globe. However, the concept of smart cities is one of foresight and seeks to employ renewable energy systems and infrastructures to power its utilities and homes. Smart energy and grid systems have been game-changers in the energy sector, enabling greater efficiency and reliability in the supply of power. Meanwhile, smart utilities and mobility solutions are transforming the way we consume and move resources. Smart HR and community management are also helping organizations to become more efficient and effective in their operations, with advanced analytics and automation tools to streamline workflows and improve productivity.

To this end, IEREK is organizing the 6th Edition of the International Conference on “Future Smart Cities,” in collaboration with Universiteti Barleti, Albania, to create a platform for all researchers, academics, and practitioners to discuss the latest advancements in diverse fields to help construct the sustainable smart city of the future. The conference aims to be an interdisciplinary forum that discusses smart approaches to multiple facets of the modern lifestyle, and its impact on the environment and the world as a whole.

Scope

The 6th “Future Smart Cities (FSC)” conference peers into the future of urban settlements and human civilizations, discussing topics pertaining to technological implementation in urban planning & city design. FSC covers a wide array of topics, including smart mobility and connectivity, cyber security, advancements in data and networking, smart grids, renewable energy, smart buildings, urban environments, and climate change mitigation techniques. The conference aims to aggregate research that deliberates upon technological advancement and its role in enhancing the livability of urban environments and cities from a multidisciplinary approach. FSC aims to deliberate upon the smart approach to multiple facets of society and lifestyle, including governance, entrepreneurship, transportation, logistics, communication, infrastructure, and construction.

Statement of Purpose

Technological advancement has allowed for substantial improvement in multiple facets of life. Communication is easier than ever, automated transportation is quickly becoming a reality, and smart information acquisition via novel sensing technology is ensuring a safe environment for humanity. FSC deliberates upon the topic of smart cities, which aim to enrich and empower these elements granted by technological discovery, by extending and utilizing technological advancements in societal branches such as mobility, governance, environmental resilience, logistics, housing, and business. FSC shares the ambitious vision of academics & engineers furthering the concept and application of smart cities and aims to empower their message calling for technological utilization within cities, enriching residents’ lives, and raising efficiency in multiple infrastructural fields of society.

• 1. Informatics, Communication, and Accessibility

  1.1. Big Data Analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT)
  1.2. Machine and Deep Learning Methodologies
  1.3. Ethical Concerns of Big Data Acquisition
  1.4. Digital Health and Biomarker Informatics
  1.5. Wearable Technology for Public Data Aggregation

• 2. Smart Transportation Methods

  2.1. Traffic Management Techniques in Smart Cities
  2.2. Implementation of Reliable Transit Systems
  2.3. Shifting Away from Automobile Reliance
  2.4. Technological Integration in Sustainable Transit Systems
  2.5. Effects of Public Transit Systems on Urban Sustainability and the Climate
  2.6. Human-centered design for Smart Public Transport

• 3. Technological Innovation in Architecture and Urban Spaces

  3.1. Building Information Modeling (BIM) and its role in architecture
  3.2. The use of robotics in construction and architecture
  3.3. Smart materials and their impact on building design
  3.4. Virtual and augmented reality in architecture and urban planning
  3.5. The integration of technology in urban spaces and public infrastructure.

• 4. Computation and Cybersecurity in Cities and Business

  4.1. Urban Computing and Compilation of Data
  4.2. Security of Cities’ Data and Analytics and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)
  4.3. Computational Resilience and Data Recovery methods
  4.4. Cyber-Crime Management and Digital Surveillance
  4.5. Digital Methodologies of Conducting Business and Entrepreneurship

• 5. Smart, Resilient, and Sustainable Infrastructures

  5.1. Integration of Renewable Power Grids
  5.2. Natural Disaster Mitigation and Preparation
  5.3. Rural Development and Sustainable Management of Urban Edges
  5.4. Modelling, Regulation, and Monitoring of Smart Infrastructure
  5.5. Smart Urban Infrastructure Systems

• 6. Modern Methods in Sustainable Development and Resource Efficiency

  6.1. Circular Economies in Future Smart Cities
  6.2. Novel Climate Change Mitigation Techniques
  6.3. Environmental Resilience in Modern Construction
  6.4. Resilient and Adaptable Smart Grids and Systems
  6.5. Modern Smart Waste Management Techniques

• 7. Smart Institutions and E-Governance

  7.1. Digitalization of Bureaucratic Systems
  7.2. E-Identities and Digital Identifiers
  7.3. Authenticity in Digital Landscapes
  7.4. Formation of Digital Societies and Privacy Management
  7.5. Promotion and Incentivization of Sustainable Practices in Society

IEREK has an unyielding policy regarding plagiarism. We believe that copying/taking the ideas and work of other Authors without permission and credit is fraudulent. The Reviewing committee and IEREK employees have the authority to reject a paper during its reviewing process, based on the paper being subjected to either minor or major plagiarism.

Authors must refer to, and abide by, the following instructions in submitting their abstracts/ papers:

Step 1: Abstract Submission Process

• The author should prepare and submit an Abstract of at least 150 – 300 words through the website.
• The abstract should be concise and clearly state the proposed research study's purpose, results, and conclusions.
• The author should select the most relevant topic for the paper from the corresponding conference topics.
• The author can use/download an Abstract Writing Template prior to submission
• To submit your abstract, you first need to (1) click on the “Register” button on the conference page, (2) click on “Submit Now” and:
  • Select the Topic in which you are making the submission
  • Insert the title of your study in the "Paper Title" section
  • Insert the full abstract in the "Abstract" section/upload a file in the .pdf, .doc, .docm, or .docx format
  • Add in writing 3 – 5 keywords that define the field, subfield, topic, and research area covered by the article to help other researchers understand and find your work.
  • Provide the names, affiliations, and E-mails of all authors/ co-authors involved
  • Confirm your submission by ticking having read the instructions and “submit Abstract”

Step 2.1: Abstract Acceptance

• After acceptance of your abstract of at least (150 – 300 words), you will receive a proforma invoice and specific instructions to complete the payment online or by bank transfer (See Conference Fees) to confirm your participation,
• Once your abstract has been accepted, please refer to the important dates tab and carefully review the announced dates to avoid late payment, as late payment comes at an extra charge (early bird/regular/late).
• After successfully completing payment, you will be issued upon request with the following:
  • A signed/ stamped abstract acceptance letter
  • Please note that acceptance of participation, abstract submission, and extended abstract/short paper submissions all have different deadlines. To stay up to date and avoid paying extra fees, or delaying your paper, please carefully review the important dates tab.
  • Receipt of Payment/ Payment Invoice
  • Visa Invitation Letter, if needed
• After abstract acceptance, you may be given the option to extend the abstract to publish your work in the conference proceedings in ASTI published by Springer Nature (indexed in Scopus/SCImago) (optional not obligatory).

  This is not a prerequisite for presenting your work at the conference. Meaning, you can present your submitted abstract without intending to publish your work.

Step 2.2: Abstract Extension / Short Paper (Optional)

• Your short paper / extended abstract should be 4 – 6 pages long and submitted before the paper submission deadline, in English, and fit within one of the conference topics.
• The Extended abstract i.e., the short paper should follow the research paper structure as follows: Abstract (+keywords), Introduction, problem statement, and study aim, Review of the Literature, Methodology, results and conclusion/ discussion, References list using the Paper Writing Template.
• The submission (short paper i.e. extended abstract) should be made following the same procedure followed for the abstract or sent to the conference email.
• Here: Authors may need more pages than the allotted maximum of 6 to insert figures, tables, appendixes, etc. In this case, they can submit regular papers (max. 12 pages) with the same fixed fee. For a detailed outline of the fees, please refer to the payment table in the conference fees tab.
• The conference does welcome Arabic submissions (with abstracts written in the english language), which will only be considered for publication in BAHETH by IEREK Press.

Step 3: Rigorous Peer Review Process (double-blind)

This process can only be initiated after payment completion and confirmation:

• If submitted, the extension (short paper) will be preliminarily checked (iThenticate plagiarism/ similarity screening Software, readability, and scope) and it will be peer-reviewed. If similarity issues are detected, the following will apply:
  • % from all sources: 10-15%
  • % from one source: 3-5%
  • Higher than 30% (all sources): Reject completely
  • Lower than 30% (all sources): Ask for revision to decrease the similarities
• IEREK has an unyielding policy regarding plagiarism. We believe that copying/ taking the ideas and work of other Authors without permission and credit is fraudulent. The Reviewing committee and IEREK employees have the authority to reject a paper during its reviewing process, on the basis of the paper being subjected to either minor or major plagiarism.
• Each paper/ chapter is evaluated by a minimum of two reviewers, after which a final decision by the responsible Editor is made. There is no maximum to the number of times a paper can be reviewed, depending on the quality of the submission.
• If your short paper is accepted by the Editors for publishing with comments/ requested modifications, our Editors (publishing department) will contact you once a decision is made and you will be asked to revise and correct it. After resubmission, it will be re-checked. Note: There may be more than one round of peer review and the decision rests with the editors of the title. Missed deadlines may result in complete exclusion/ rejection from the final publication.
• If your short paper is accepted for publishing without edits/ comments, the corresponding author will be contacted to provide the final version of their chapters/ papers following Springer Guidelines and sign the Springer consent-to-publish (CTP) form to authorize publication in the conference proceedings.
• A back-and-forth process: modifications will be sent back to the responsible Editor/ Series Editor and another round of evaluation conducted where needed. Participants/ Authors should regularly check their emails (Junk/ Spam folders).
• If you are not interested in publishing an extended abstract in the proceedings in ASTI by Springer Nature, please inform the conference support ([email protected]).

Step 4: Extended paper 

• After the conference, the authors of the best papers will be invited to submit an extended version of their research, 8 – 12+ pages in length, (optional) of their short papers for publishing in an edited volume to be published by Springer Nature.
• Publishing your short paper (i.e., extended abstract) in the conference proceedings does not prevent the submission of the full version for publishing consideration after the conference if the similarity percentages (SR%) in Step 3 are taken into account.

To Download Conference Presentation Template Click Here

Local Scientific Committee

Prof. Dr. Suzana Guxholli, Rector of Barleti University

Prof. Dr. Artan Shyti, Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Barleti University

Prof. Asoc.  Semiha Loca, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Barleti University

Prof. Asoc. Zamira Cavo, Head of Department of Governance, Political Science and Communication, Barleti University

Prof. Assoc. Dr Robert Gjedia, Head of Department of Educational Sciences & Professional Training, Barleti University

Prof. Assoc. Mateo Spaho, Dean of Faculty of Economics, Governance and Law, Barleti University

Ph.D. Kejda Nuhu, Institutional Coordinator for Research and Development, Barleti University

Prof. Dr. Alexander Xhuvani, Dean Faculty of Applied Sciences and Creative Industries, Barleti University

Ph.D. Ilir Çapuni, Head of Department of Applied and Computer Sciences, Barleti University

Dr. Rezart Prifti, Head of Department of Economics, Entrepreneurship and Finance, Barleti University

Dr. Florina Pazari, Head of Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Recreation, Barleti University

Dr. Erion Kristo, Lecturer, Department of Governance, Political Science and Communication, Barleti University

Prof. Asoc. Vera Bushati, Lecturer, Department of Creative Industries, Barleti University

Ph.D. Saimir Kristo, Deputy Dean Faculty of Applied Sciences and Creative Industries, Barleti University

Ph.D. Etleva Dobjani, Head of the Department of Architecture and Design, Barleti University

Ph.D. Saimir Shtylla, Lecturer in the Department of Architecture and Design, Barleti University

Prof. Dr. Andrea Maliqari, Rector of the Polytechnic University of Tirana

Prof. Dr. Florian Nepravishta, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Polytechnic University of Tirana

Prof. Assoc. Elfrida Alliu, Vice-Rector of the Polytechnic University of Tirana

Dr. Etleva Bushati, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Polytechnic University of Tirana

PhD Joan Ikonomi, Lecturer, Department of Creative Industries, Barleti University

Prof. Dr. Francesco DEFILIPPIS, Polytechnic University of Bari, Italy

Prof. Assoc. Vincenzo Paolo BAGNATO, Polytechnic University of Bari, Italy

Prof. Assoc. Antonio Labalestra, Polytechnic University of Bari, Italy

PhD. c. Francesco Salamone researcher at Construction Technologies Institute of the National Research Council of Italy (ITC-CNR)

Ph.D. Luan Bekteshi, Lecturer at Barleti University, Tirana

Organizational Committee

Brunilda Basha, Lecturer, Department of Architecture and Design, Barleti University

Jonida Çerekja, Lecturer, Department of Applied and Computer Sciences, Barleti University

Sokol Shurdhi, Lecturer, Department of Applied and Computer Sciences, Barleti University

Anisa Doci, Lecturer, Department of Applied and Computer Sciences, Barleti University

Erdeta Boja, Lecturer, Department of Applied and Computer Sciences, Barleti University

To Download Conference Flyer & Poster Click Here

The print ISSN number of the International Conference on "Future Smart Cities (FSC)" is

2974-3729

The online ISSN number of FSC conference is 

2974-3737

All accepted submissions to the conference, after a rigorous double-blinded peer-review process by the respective and a highly-extinguished Editorial Board, will be published in one of the following:

• Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation (ASTI), an IEREK Interdisciplinary book series published by Springer Nature. (Scopus indexed)  

About ASTI

Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (ASTI) is a series of peer-reviewed books based on important emerging research that redefines the current disciplinary boundaries in science, technology and innovation (STI) in order to develop integrated concepts for sustainable development. It not only discusses the progress made towards securing more resources, allocating smarter solutions, and rebalancing the relationship between nature and people, but also provides in-depth insights from comprehensive research that addresses the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) as set out by the UN for 2030.

The series draws on the best research papers from various IEREK and other international conferences to promote the creation and development of viable solutions for a sustainable future and a positive societal transformation with the help of integrated and innovative science-based approaches. Including interdisciplinary contributions, it presents innovative approaches and highlights how they can best support both economic and sustainable development, through better use of data, more effective institutions, and global, local and individual action, for the welfare of all societies. The series particularly features conceptual and empirical contributions from various interrelated fields of science, technology and innovation, with an emphasis on digital transformation, that focus on providing practical solutions to ensure food, water and energy security to achieve the SDGs. It also presents new case studies offering concrete examples of how to resolve sustainable urbanization and environmental issues in different regions of the world. Read More.

The ASTI series is fully indexed in Scopus and any chapter/ paper published as part of this series will be seen on the Scopus database. Some titles have been successfully indexed or submitted for indexation in Web of Science (ISI).

• IEREK Press Journals, a multidisciplinary publisher that aims to cultivate and disseminate research.

Environmental Science & Sustainable Development (ESSD)

ESSD is a peer-reviewed, scholarly journal that aims to systematically develop the research-driven curiosity and evidence-based discourse of aspiring scholars that seek to contribute to the academic community. As the world is currently living in an age of information where sources are widely available on the Internet, we at ESSD seek to efficiently utilize the available information to help create robust and evidence-based knowledge. In the process, we offer researchers, in general, and young and aspiring ones in particular a quicker way to get their work published and gain exposure through online open access. We pride ourselves on getting submitted work to be published quickly, through the use of our worldwide pool of subject specialist peer reviewers. Find out more about ESSD International Journal here.

The Academic Research Community Publication (ARChive)

ARChive is an open-access journal that publishes conference proceedings on a wide range of topics relating to social sciences. Consequently, it accepts original research papers on a wide spectrum of subjects. ARChive is a journal published on behalf of researchers that perpetually make an effort to contribute to their fields and provide them with high visibility of research submitted. The series publishes, both, theoretical and experimental high-quality papers of current and perpetual interest. It serves to cultivate, propagate, and essentially archive academic research that has been authored and submitted for academic conferences.

Find out more about ARChive International Journal here.

Proceedings of Science and Technology (Resourceedings)

Resourceedings is an open access journal that publishes conference proceedings. Conference proceedings compromise of different disciplines, ranging from Engineering including built environments, architecture, and sustainability. Disciplines also include Technology and Energy. Resourceedings is a journal that publishes research articles that shed light on different crucial issues in order to provide them with solutions and suggestions. The journal publishes articles submitted by researchers of interest in different fields.

Find out more about Resourceedings International Journal here.

BAHETH International Journal - Arabian Researchers Database (Arabic Papers only)

“BAHETH” in Architecture, Engineering, and Technology, is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes original academic research in the fields of Architecture, Engineering, and Technology. The journal welcomes research in the Arabic Language with an English Abstract. Papers submitted to this journal in Arabic must be presented in the English Language in the conference.

Find out more about BAHETH International Journal here.

For IEREK's Provious Publications, Please Click here

- Future Smart Cities (FSC) - 1st Edition held in Cairo, Egypt in Septmeber, 2018.

IEREK Press

The Academic Research Community (ARChive)

Vol 3, issue #2 (2019): Recent Studies in Urban Sustainability and Future Cities' Planning

Publication link: https://press.ierek.com/index.php/ARChive/issue/view/32/showToc

- Future Smart Cities (FSC) - 2nd Edition in Xiamen University, Malaysia in November, 2019.

Springer

Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (ASTI) Series.

Resilient and Responsible Smart Cities - Volume 1

(Selected Papers) Publication link: https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783030635664

Springer

Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (ASTI) Series.

Resilient and Responsible Smart Cities - Volume 2

(Selected Papers) Publication link: https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783030864989

- Future Smart Cities (FSC) - 3rd Edition as an online conference in collaboration with Xiamen University, Malaysia in November, 2020.

Springer

Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (ASTI) Series.

Resilient and Responsible Smart Cities - Edition 2

Publication link: (In Press)

Registration

To help the organizers plan for inter-disciplinary dialogue, participants are requested to choose from the conference themes/ Topics upon registration.

They must also refer to, and abide by, the following instructions in registering and submitting their abstracts/ papers:

Types of Participation

1. Attend/ Present Virtually and Publish in Conference proceedings
   

Organized from the comfort of your own home, the conference offers a virtual attendance option for your convenience. That said, participants will have a chance to present their Full paper, online, and have their work considered for publication in the proceedings.

Virtual presenters are required to submit an abstract and extend this abstract following the “author instructions” below and before the deadline (see Important Dates). At least one author must pay the registration fee (see Conference Fees).

For any reason, authors may wish to submit a pre-recorded video presentation no later than 15 days prior to the conference. Alternatively, they may wish to record a voice-over PowerPoint presentation for submission to the conference organizers.

2. Attend/ Present in-person and Publish in indexed Conference proceedings
   

Organized at the University of Barleti, Albania. offering a Physical attendance option for your convenience. That said, participants will have a chance to present their abstract/research, on campus, and have their work considered for publication in the ASTI Series by Springer as part of the conference proceedings.

See Author Instructions and Conference Fees for more information.

3. Registration to publish in the proceedings without presenting/ attending

If your full paper is accepted, it may be published in the conference proceedings book in the Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation Book Series by Springer (indexed in Scopus) even if you are not attending the conference. In this case, the accepted work will not be included in the final conference program and the fee will cover the cost of editorial handling and peer-review evaluation of your paper (See Author Instructions and Publishing Opportunities).

4. Non-presenting participant

Non-presenting participants may also wish to attend the conference as Audience Members or Co-authors contributing to an already submitted abstract/ paper.

Delegates in any event who cancel their registration due to special circumstances will receive refunds according to the following:

A refund is not possible if

To Download The Conference Program Click Here