Cities create global solutions.

• Position: News & Numbers - Brief article

As cities continue their ceaseless innovation, four principles can be observed again and again, according to a paper from the World Economic Forum. These principles can be seen as a core framework for solving complex urban problems.

Unleashing spare capacity. Many innovations use existing yet underutilized resources, like co-locating schools and recreational facilities.

Cutting out the peaks. From electricity and water to roads and public transport, upwards of 20 percent of capacity sits idle for much of the time, ready to cope with demand peaks. Eliminating these peaks with technology-enabled demand management or innovative pricing structures can significantly limit the burden on resources.

Small-scale infrastructure thinking. Cities will always need large infrastructure projects, but...