API management investments in the public sector and the challenges faced

City governments worldwide are increasingly adopting API management and cloud infrastructure to modernize their operations, driven by the need for efficient resource optimization, automated city operations, and enhanced digital services. This shift, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate crisis, aims to transition from e-government to smart city models, with a focus on cross-departmental digital governance. APIs offer flexibility and security, allowing cities to integrate services, automate operations using real-time data, and sustain digital infrastructure without vendor lock-in. Examples from cities like Antwerp, New York City, and Singapore illustrate the diverse applications of APIs, from improving service delivery and community engagement to fostering local economic growth. Open standards and strategic planning are crucial for cities to advance their API maturity, enabling cohesive and scalable digital government frameworks. As cities strive for SMARTIE principles—Sustainability, Mobility, Affordability, Resilience, Technology, Inclusion, and Equity—API management platforms such as Tyk support this evolution, offering centralized oversight while allowing individual departments to progress at their own pace.