This is what a smart city should do for its people
We are living through interesting times. As Dickens might put it, it is perhaps the best of times for tech companies. The digital revolution is mind-blowing. But for most people, it could be the worst of times, given the global crises and challenges facing humanity.
One thing is certain: we live in a world of cities, and our planet is increasingly urban. By 2050, more than 70% of the world’s population will live in cities. Cities are the new engines of growth in the global economy, responsible for 80% of global GDP.
Regardless of size, they are becoming nodes of innovation, production and creativity. Through investments in smart technologies, they have the power to reverse migration and attract talent. At the same time, they are the main actors for coping with sustainability challenges such as the growing population, traffic congestion and increasing limitations on scarce resources including water, energy, and housing.
It is no longer countries that are in competition, but cities. Every city will have to gain a competitive edge to differentiate itself from the rest. Flexible and agile cities that can diversify their resources and offer economic, social and cultural opportunities to their citizens will survive.
The cities that are best equipped to produce innovative, inclusive and ethical solutions in the face of multiplying risks and threats will emerge as leaders. Cities will compete and collaborate globally as interdependent entities, and will drive the future.
The term ‘smart city’ has become a buzzword in the ever-growing literature on urbanization and digitalization. To me, a smart city is one that encourages and facilitates its citizens’ participation in physical and digital spaces, and online and offline processes. A smart city eases life, accommodates needs and increases the well-being and welfare of its citizens with the enabling power of technology, through connectivity and IoT. A smart city continues to transform itself, driven by local specificities and using a holistic and systematic approach.
As part of corporate citizenship, I believe the private sector has an important role and responsibility in this regard. Perceiving cities as the most significant units of “living space” for their inhabitants, I am a firm believer in giving back to society in meaningful ways. In line with responsible and responsive leadership, the world can be a better place if private companies initiate or take part in endeavours that tap into the potential of the cities in which they operate or invest.
