A quantum leap in the development of technology has been seen over recent years. The convergence of rapid technological advancements and urban planning is driving an evolution of human behaviour, and encouraging us to reconsider the way that we communicate, live, work and play. Such advances are infiltrating the way in which modern cities work. A fully integrated, intelligent and adaptive city infrastructure that can provide a whole range of demand-responsive services and real-time incident management capabilities is an eye-catching prospect, but how do we continue to embrace the opportunities this presents for generations to come?
A ‘smart city’ is an urban area that uses a whole spectrum of electronic data collection to gain information. This information is used to manage assets, services and resources effectively, efficiently and economically. This includes data collected from citizens and their network of smart devices – the Internet of Things (IoT). This data is then processed and analysed to monitor and manage traffic and transportation systems, water supply networks and waste management as well as other services that are fundamental to the day-to-day operation of society.
The three key aims of a smart city could be:
2. To accelerate economic growth and opportunities
3. To become a sustainable and efficient city
Although the concept of a smart city is appealing, challenges do exist which include funding, citizen engagement and data security. It is therefore important that local governments consult for guidance as they embrace this opportunity.
Businesses, governments and policy-makers would benefit from preparing for future technologies today. For example, the CityVerve project, which was launched in Manchester brings together the pioneering thinkers and most innovative uses of the IoT to redefine ‘smart’ in the context of a living, working city. Its focus is to build and maintain a smarter, more connected Manchester, creating a city that uses technology to meet the complex needs of its citizens. Businesses that want to be actively involved in the ‘smart’ city journey will need to understand how technology will impact the economy, whilst local governments need to empower the ‘smart’ citizen and implement mechanisms that protect the privacy and data of society. Collectively, this will allow society to realise the full potential of what a ‘smart’ city can offer.
Smart Citizens
The IoT is no longer an optional choice for businesses and society. The IoT is allowing us to silently teach our cities about ourselves. Buildings are becoming smarter, energy delivery is becoming increasingly sophisticated, healthcare provision is becoming smoother, and transport infrastructure is becoming niftier This learning process is enabled by us, the smart citizen.
Smart technologies put endless power into our hands, the smart citizen. We leave a data trail, giving society, businesses and policy-makers vital insights about where and how to reach us; and most importantly access to our data on things such as our interests, habits and choices. To fully take advantage of the detailed information now available, it is vital for us to fully integrate it into all of our real estate, infrastructure and construction requirements to shape the future of our smart cities around us.
In essence, a city cannot be inherently smart. It must be constantly communicating with and learning from its smart citizens to achieve the golden ticket of a well-connected and engaged city.
