"We are not taking decisions, but we can influence those who do. The discussions held at the annual conferences and other related events will be reflected in key messages, outlining main trends, possible goals and proposals for future actions. These messages will be distributed to all stakeholders at the local, regional, national and European level. By that we will help keeping informed and influence decision-making process within governmental entities, local and regional organisations and private companies." (Dr. Catalin VRABIE - SNSPA)

  
     
"It is time to seek synergies and create partnerships within the EU digital decade through the UN Global Digital Compact for successful digital transformation and, the Smart Cities International Conference (SCIC) is a suitable environment, platform and audience to think about." (Anelia Dimova - Ministry of e-governance, Bulgaria)  
     

"The international influences of the SNSPA’s International Smart Cities Conference on the further development of research and implementation topics and Smart Cities & Smart Regions enrich the conceptual and behavioral reality of responsible actors. The community, which has emerged from this over the years, has firmly established itself and already complements each other thematically and methodically. I am very happy to have become part of this community over the years and continue to contribute my ongoing research results and continuous practical project results." (Professor Dr. Christian Schachtner, Professor in Public Management - RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, Wiesbaden, Germany)

  
     
“The Smart Cities International Conference is an outstanding platform to meet high value international scientists and to present ones’ latest research in the field. Being part of this Smart community has enabled me to enjoy fruitful discussions through the conference days, to extend my current knowledge on various topics at local, regional, national and international level and to broaden my horizon for future research. The conference has also allowed my work to be published in the SCRD Journal, which is visible in high indexing engines, thus making my work visible on the world’s scientific stage, but most importantly it allowed me to form long lasting connections.” (Dr. Nikola Vangelov, Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communications, St. Kliment Ohridski Sofia University).  
     
"The annual conference on smart cities hosted by the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA), Bucharest, undoubtedly provides the right platform for academicians, policymakers, practitioners, and technical experts to deliberate and discuss digital transformation, emerging challenges, and the way forward. There is a further need to look beyond European perspectives on smart cities and engage with smart city initiatives in the South Asian context. More specifically, empirical evidence of citizen participation in the smart city transformation needs to be investigated to underscore the meaning of "active" citizen participation. There is a need for further exploration of how citizens engage in the day-to-day governance of the city, their motivation, enabling factors, and their sense of gains. A collaborative study on some of the best practices in citizen participation in European and non-European countries can foster an environment of learning for effective citizen engagement in smart and sustainable urban governance." (Dr Deepak Kumar, Asian Development Research Institute, Patna, India).  
     
"SMART CITY is becoming an increasingly comprehensive notion as the development needs of citizens evolve in contemporary times. Every year, new criteria emerge to be considered when building the framework for Smart Cities. The SCIC conference organized by SNSPA in 2023 is now at its 11th edition and is an opportunity to meet and exchange experiences between specialists from different fields who all work together and contribute to the realization of the different components of a truly smart city. The strong point of this conference is communication, an essential milestone for a coherent urbanisation trajectory. The project presented by myself and my partners in Norway is part of the European objectives of obtaining Energy from Renewable Sources in order to contribute to reducing pollution by applying the Smart Concept in monitoring consumption. Participation in the Conference opens opportunities for collaboration between high-level specialists by writing applications capable of being eligible for funding constituting steps towards creating sustainable, efficient and viable urban environments for residents." (Claudiu Isarie, PhD, associate professor Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu; Project Manager, Renewable Energy and Energy efficiency for Sustainable Development in Sibiu County, Innovation Norway).