Exploring Smart City Technology and Implementation with George Karayannis of Panasonic

There’s a good reason why people are flocking to live and work in cities like Denver, New York, San Francisco and Seattle. These cities are just a few US destinations known as leaders in smart city solutions. Technology’s role in these communities has improved resident’s quality of life and, in turn, boosted the local economy for businesses big and small.

What sorts of technologies truly define a smart city today, and what projects are most necessary to solve or rural and urban needs? MarketScale explores this hot new topic with George Karayannis, vice president of CityNOW, a division of Panasonic North America. Karayannis and host Daniel Litwin discuss smart city solutions big and small, diving into their trickle-down effect on a community. From improving basic civic chores like trash collection to tackling long-standing issues like car traffic and social inequity, smart cities are ripe with the power to solve problems.

It’s not just major metropolises that can benefit from smart tech. Karayannis presents the question: “When do you bring smart cities to ANY cities?” The key is strong leadership and broad support, he explained. Tech cannot be pushed upon a city, rather, it succeeds when it supports a community problem.

“None of it matters if there’s not a clean business model in place,” Karayannis said.

In order to craft such a business model, multiple entities in the private and public sectors must come together. CityNOW’s role as a consultant is crucial in uniting the powers of city developers, utility companies, and the private investors to effectively employ smart city solutions–Denver’s net-zero microgrid a shining example. A collective combined effort results in the successful implementation of new tech in cities, the beginning of am ongoing transition to a high-tech future.

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the IoT Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!
Twitter – @MarketScale
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

The Tech-Enabled Hospital of the Future: Implications for Care Delivery
The Tech-Enabled Hospital of the Future: Implications for Care Delivery
March 12, 2026

Gone are the days when a hospital was simply a place where patients received care. Today’s hospitals are rapidly evolving into highly connected ecosystems powered by advanced technology, networked devices, and real-time data. The modern hospital is no longer confined to physical walls—it’s a dynamic digital environment where data flows seamlessly, AI supports clinical decisions,…

Read More
career
Stop Chasing Titles, Build a Career That Matters: A CAO’s Advice on Long-Term Success
March 11, 2026

Career advice in finance and accounting often centers around promotions, titles, and compensation. But in an era where professionals frequently change jobs every few years—the average American worker now stays in a role for less than four years—industries are facing growing talent shortages and reevaluating what long-term career success looks like. The question many…

Read More
Career success
A CEO’s Blueprint for Career Success: Leading with Love to Drive Performance and Culture
March 10, 2026

Leadership right now feels heavier than it did just a few years ago. Teams are stretched, expectations are high, and many employees are quietly disengaged. In fact, Gallup’s 2025 U.S. data shows that only about 31% of employees are actively engaged at work, leaving the majority feeling disconnected or indifferent. For CEOs and senior…

Read More
employer-sponsored apprenticeships
The Degree That Pays You Back: How Employer-Sponsored Apprenticeships Are Rewriting Higher Ed
March 9, 2026

Higher education is under pressure. Over the past few years, public confidence in the value of a four-year degree has declined significantly, with fewer Americans expressing a strong belief that traditional higher education delivers a worthwhile return on investment. At the same time, employers consistently report that graduates lack job-ready skills—particularly the “durable skills”…

Read More