Dentons Infrastructure & Strategic Innovation Chat is a podcast that aims to help cities, communities, and stakeholders modernize digital, physical and social infrastructure to take advantage of technological developments that enable the integration of essential services. We share stories on the latest technologies and smart city development from industry professionals and legal thought leaders. What makes a community ‘smart’? Why is everyone obsessed with data? How do municipalities integrate 5G infrastructure into their urban design, and how do carriers ensure that local concerns are addressed? From a socio-economic standpoint, what does the future hold for smart cities? Learn about all these topics and more.
Redefining “Smart” in an Age of AI, Connected Systems & Data, panel at the Smart Cities Expo World Congress in Barcelona
In this episode, Kat Sliwa, Partner in Toronto and leader of the Dentons Municipal Planning, Land Use and Development Law group, moderates a dynamic discussion from the Smart Cities Expo World Congress in Barcelona with Todd Daubert, Partner in Washington, DC and head of the Dentons US Technology Privacy & Cybersecurity team. The panel also features:
Taj Forer — Chief Product Officer, H&S Ventures and Litehouse
Megan Higgins — Partner and Data Intelligence Leader, PwC UK
Jacqueline Lu — CEO and Founder, Helpful Places, and Urbanist-in-Residence at the School of Cities at the University of Toronto
Together, they explore how the concept of a “smart city” has evolved from a focus on automation and efficiency to a landscape shaped by AI, machine learning and pervasive connectivity.
In an era of rapid innovation, ensuring that AI-driven systems serve people first is key to building sustainable, connected and inclusive communities. Success also depends on maintaining a focus on real-world challenges and selecting technology that is appropriate for the task, rather than being sidetracked by every new capability emerging tools present.
The panel emphasizes that successful smart cities are not built on technology alone. Public trust, transparent governance and meaningful community engagement are central to creating urban environments that serve people first. They also examine the challenges of navigating increasingly interconnected systems that span public and private domains and discuss strategies for applying technology thoughtfully to solve real-world urban problems.
8 Dec 2025
The Basque’s Intelligent Gem
Dentons is proud to share this special episode in partnership with the Intelligent Community Forum. Lou Zacharilla, ICF co-founder, speaks with Iñaki Gaztelu, the new Director of Modernization for the City of Bilbao, about the city’s remarkable journey from post-industrial decline to international recognition as a model smart city.
They explore how Bilbao’s digital modernization initiatives and deep citizen engagement have driven sustainable human-centered urban transformation and discuss the strategies that will guide the city’s next chapter. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in creating inclusive connected and technologically empowered communities.
7 Nov 2024
Exploring the Advantages of Private Smart Cities and the Path to Efficient Urban Innovation
Todd Daubert explores private smart cities, which use centralized decision-making to streamline urban services, potentially setting new standards for innovation and social equity.
Who has been a guest on Dentons Smart Cities Chat Series
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
William Muller
Ian Scott
Monica Song
Naama Blonder
Larry Williams
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Contact Dentons Smart Cities Chat Series
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Dentons Smart Cities Chat Series
Who hosts Dentons Smart Cities Chat Series?
Kat Sliwa and Katarzyna Sliwa host the show. Published by Dentons.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Dentons Smart Cities Chat Series take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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