Dentons is the world’s largest law firm and recognized by prominent business and legal publications for its innovations in client service. But, they are also pioneering the intersection of technology innovation and the legal industry and also exploring legislation and regulation around emerging technologies.

Last year, the global law firm, announces the launch of its Smart Cities/Communities Think Tank. It's a forum for developing equitable solutions for sustainable and prosperous cities and communities that aims to bring together thought leaders from government, academia, industry and non-governmental organizations (NGO). Why? to craft innovative legal, economic, security and policy solutions to help cities and communities leverage existing and emerging technological developments for the betterment of the lives of their citizens.

Dentons launched the Smart Cities Think Tank on the heels of its highly-successful inaugural Smart Cities Summit where more than 150 key industry leaders and policymakers from the public and private sectors discussed a range of critical legal and policy issues facing cities and communities as they make decisions about incorporating 21st century technologies into their physical, digital and social infrastructure.

The Smart Cities Think Tank flows from the vision inspired by Clint Vince, chair of Dentons' US Energy practice and co-chair of the Firm's global energy sector. The think tank has identified "14 Pillars of Success" for a Smart Cities program.

These include: government leadership and public policy; regulation; energy; telecommunications; transportation; buildings and city planning; consumer and community social infrastructure; cyber and physical security and privacy; environment, health and safety; finance, investment and economic development; technology and innovation; water, waste water and waste; NGOs and universities; and smart global approach.

Each pillar is co-chaired by industry authorities, including professionals from Dentons and former or current government, academic, industry and NGO leaders.

"Dentons Smart Cities Think Tank offers our clients innovative and practical options to meet the challenges presented in identifying and deploying technologies and strategies to become a Smart City," said Clint Vince, Chair of Dentons' U.S. Energy Practice.

I invited Clint Vince onto my daily tech podcast to learn more about how Dentons approach to smart cities and what it means for the future.