Introduction

Successfully integrating and balancing intangible or soft assets with hard infrastructure is the key to building sustainable resilient smart cities which create inclusive healthy and harmonious environments for its citizens. Understanding the value of soft assets in planning and implementing infrastructure and creating an appropriate enabling environment is critical for effective urban development. Hard infrastructure which includes transportation, energy, water supply, and sanitation are the usual priority for urban planners. Soft assets are often not considered or are viewed as a low priority at the stage of planning and implementing critical infrastructure. These intangible assets, including human resources, governance systems, regulations, institutional systems, processes, service, and communications, are equally important to promote services for addressing the well-being and social needs of citizens. A balanced application of hard and soft assists in urban planning and project development is required as the foundation to building sustainable smart and resilient cities. This book uses previous research and data as well as original research to identify, measure, and evaluate core soft asset elements essential for optimal urban development. It provides an overview and detail on the type of soft asset capital that generates value to cities in the urban planning and implementation process.