In shaping smarter cities, an expanded digital and innovation toolkit is essential. At the core of this is the significance of open source technologies, approaches, and processes. Originating from the software and technology community, such practices focus on creating software (and hardware) that can be reused and adapted without cost – and where all core components, including any underlying code, are fully visible.

However, open source is also about individual and organizational behavior. It can encourage an increase in the transparency of processes and decisions, enable agility in decision-making and delivery, shape vibrant and dynamic innovation ecosystems and build feedback loops with city residents to ensure that local governments continue to meet their needs and requirements. This handbook aims to support urban decision-makers, policymakers, and innovators with exploring, implementing, and embedding these tools, technologies, and ways of thinking.