Glossary

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Analytics Intelligence Analytics is the set of methods, techniques and processes used to collect, cleanse, interpret and transform data into actionable knowledge that supports operational and strategic decision-making.

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Backcasting Futures Backcasting is a strategic foresight and planning method that starts from a desired future and works backward to identify the steps, policies, and transformations needed to reach it. Benchmarking Intelligence Benchmarking is a systematic comparative analysis methodology that enables organizations to evaluate their processes, products, services, or results against int… Big data Smart Cities Big data refers to the set of strategies, technologies and systems for storing, processing, analyzing and visualizing complex data sets, which are often, but not always, defined by volume, velocity and variety. Blind Spots Futures Blind spots are areas of knowledge, assumptions, perspectives, or opportunities that an organization or individual fails to perceive —or consciously dismisses— despite the presence of early signals or evidence. Blockchain Smart Cities Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that enables the creation of a decentralized, secure, and immutable digital record of transactions and data. Business Intelligence (BI) Intelligence The term “Business Intelligence” (BI) refers to the integrated set of strategies, applications, technologies, methodologies and best practices through which an…

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Cloud computing Smart Cities Cloud computing refers to the provision of computing resources (processing, storage, networking, software) over the Internet, allowing on-demand access and flexible scaling according to user needs. Competitive Intelligence Intelligence Competitive intelligence (CI) is the process of collecting, analyzing and distributing relevant, timely and accurate information about an organization's competitors, market and environment. Cookies Legal Cookies are small files that are stored on a user's device when they visit a website. Copyright Legal Copyright refers to the set of rules and principles that regulate the moral and economic rights that the law grants to authors for the mere fact of the creation… Cryptography Intelligence · Legal Cryptography is the science and art of protecting information through techniques that transform readable messages (plain text) into encrypted messages (cipher text) to hide their real content. Cyber intelligence Intelligence Cyber intelligence refers to the action of collecting and analyzing information about capabilities, intentions and activities in cyberspace, with the aim of preventing, detecting and responding to cyber threats. Cybercrimes Legal Cybercrimes are illicit activities carried out through digital means, whether the internet, internal networks or connected devices.

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Dashboards Smart Cities Dashboards are a reporting mechanism that aggregates and displays key metrics and indicators so that they can be examined at a glance by all possible audiences. Data portability Legal Data portability is a right that allows individuals to obtain and reuse their personal data for their own purposes in different services. Decision making Futures · Intelligence Decision-making is the process through which an individual, team or organisation identifies a problem or opportunity, evaluates alternative courses of action and selects one option to implement. Deepfakes Legal Deepfakes (a combination of deep learning and fake) refers to videos, audios or images that are manipulated or entirely generated using artificial intelligence… Digital footprint Legal Digital footprint refers to the collection of traces, records and evidence left by a person, organization or device when interacting within digital environments. Digital twin Smart Cities A digital twin is an advanced, dynamic digital representation of an existing real-world entity or system. Disinformation Intelligence Disinformation refers to the intentional dissemination of false or misleading information.

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E-Government Smart Cities E-Government, or electronic government, refers to the use of digital platforms, tools and information technologies by government entities to offer services, communicate with citizens and perform internal operations. Encryption Legal Encryption is a fundamental security process used to protect the confidentiality of information by converting it into a code to prevent unauthorized access. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Intelligence Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is defined as the ability to deliver an integrated set of business applications.

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Four Scenarios’ Archetypes Futures Four Scenarios’ Archetypes represent distinct narrative constructs that encapsulate different future trajectories, by providing structured insights into plausible future states. Futures Triangle Futures The Futures Triangle is a conceptual tool used in scenario planning and foresight studies.

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General Data Protection Regulation Legal Adopted in 2016 and applicable since May 2018, the GDPR is a European Union regulation that seeks to give people greater control over their personal data and homogenize data protection laws in all Member States. Geographic Information Systems Smart Cities Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are technological tools that combine cartography with databases to capture, store, manipulate, analyze and present geospatial data.

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Horizon Scanning Futures Horizon scanning is a strategic foresight methodology that systematically explores the external environment to identify early signals of change, emerging trends… Human Intelligence (HUMINT) Intelligence HUMINT is the acronym for Human Intelligence and refers to the intelligence discipline focused on the collection of information from human sources.

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Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Smart Cities Information and Communication Technologies, or ICTs, encompass all the technological tools and resources used to communicate, create, disseminate, store and manage information. Intellectual property Legal Intellectual property is a set of legal rights that protect creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names and images used in commerce. Intelligence reports Intelligence Intelligence reports or reports are fundamental pillars in the decision-making structure within an organization. International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Smart Cities The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international telecommunications. Internet of Things (IoT) Smart Cities A concept that describes the global network of physical devices equipped with integrated technology to communicate and sense or interact with each other, with other systems or with the external environment. Interoperability Smart Cities Interoperability is the ability of different systems, applications, devices and protocols to share information and collaborate with each other.

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Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Intelligence · Smart Cities A key performance indicator (KPI) is a specific metric that organizations use to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations in relation to established strategic objectives.

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Machine learning Intelligence Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that focuses on the development of algorithms that allow computers to learn from and make predictions or decisions based on data. Megatrends Futures Megatrends are long-term, global structural forces that shape the evolution of societies, industries, economies and technologies over several decades. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) Legal Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is a security mechanism that requires users to verify their identity through two or more independent factors before accessing a system, application or digital service.

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Network neutrality Legal Net neutrality is a fundamental principle of the Internet that ensures that all users have access to the same information and services, regardless of their location, Internet service provider, or device type.

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Open data Smart Cities Open data are data sets that are available to the public without restrictions on access or use. Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Intelligence The term "Open Source Intelligence" (OSINT) refers to the collection, analysis and use of information that is publicly available for use in an intelligence context. Organic Data Protection Law Legal This law is a Spanish regulation that reinforces and adapts national legislation to the framework of the GDPR of the European Union.

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PESTEL analysis Intelligence PESTEL analysis is a strategic tool that companies use to identify and evaluate Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal factors in their external environment. Privacy by design Legal Privacy by design is a concept that suggests that privacy should be a central consideration in the design and development of products, services and systems from their initial stages. Profiling Intelligence Profiling involves analyzing and categorizing individuals or companies based on specific characteristics.

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Right to be Forgotten Legal The "right to be forgotten" is a legal concept that allows individuals to request organizations, particularly online search engines, to remove links to information that is no longer relevant, inaccurate or obsolete.

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Scenario Matrix Futures A scenario matrix is a strategic foresight tool designed to explore alternative futures and understand how different combinations of forces, uncertainties and dynamics may shape the evolution of a system. Scenario Planning Futures Scenario Planning is a strategic management tool that involves creating and analyzing multiple possible future scenarios to anticipate potential outcomes and develop strategies to address them. Secondary sources Intelligence Secondary sources are documents and informational resources that analyse, interpret, synthesise or contextualise information previously generated by primary sources. Smart and Sustainable City Smart Cities A "smart and sustainable city" is one that uses technology and innovation as tools to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants, efficiently manage its res… Smart contracts Legal A smart contract is a type of blockchain record that contains externally written code and controls blockchain-based digital assets. Smart Tourist Destination Smart Cities A Smart Tourist Destination is an innovative and committed space, consolidated on the basis of a territory that guarantees sustainable development from an environmental, cultural and socioeconomic perspective. Social engineering Intelligence · Legal Social engineering refers to a set of methods that attackers use to manipulate people with the aim of obtaining confidential information or access to systems. Strategic Foresight Futures Strategic foresight is the systematic, structured and participatory approach used by organisations, governments and territories to anticipate long-term changes,… Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Smart Cities The SDGs are the Sustainable Development Goals, a set of 17 global goals that were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. SWOT analysis Intelligence SWOT Analysis is a strategic framework used to evaluate the position of an organization, project, product, or initiative through the structured assessment of four key dimensions: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

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Technology surveillance Futures · Intelligence Technology surveillance is the systematic process of identifying, monitoring and analyzing information about the latest technologies, research and developments in a specific field. Three Horizon Model Futures The Three Horizon Model is a framework for strategic planning that divides innovation efforts into three horizons: short-term (current operations), medium-term (emerging opportunities), and long-term (disruptive innovations). Tokenization Legal Tokenization is the process of converting rights to an asset into a digital token that can be stored, transferred or sold on a blockchain. TOWS analysis Futures TOWS analysis is a strategic planning tool that complements the traditional SWOT analysis by correlating the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats f… Trend Futures A trend is a pattern of change—social, economic, technological, cultural or environmental—that evolves consistently over time and influences behaviours, markets, organisations and broader systems.

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Weak Signals Futures In strategic foresight, weak signals are early, subtle, and unstructured indications that suggest possible future changes in the environment before they evolve into established trends or visible events. Wild Cards Futures In the field of strategic foresight, wild cards are low-probability but high-impact events that can cause sudden and significant change in systems, markets, or societies. Wind-tunneling Futures Wind-tunneling refers to a backcasting method used to test how future changes might affect the ability to deliver a particular project.