Are you aware that half of the people globally live in cities and this figure is expected to rise to 70% by 2050?
With such a statistic, there’s a need to focus more on improving urban living in order to keep up with the growth. This means that all cities globally need to become sustainable, progressive and actually smarter. In fact, you might have already heard of the term “smart city”. If you haven’t, this refers to manner in which technology is used to provide a city with a cleaner environment, better infrastructure and improved quality of life.
So, have you heard of any plans to make your city smarter?
Well, if such plans are in motion, you should be aware that a lot of cooperation and work is needed to make a city “smart”.
Pinpoint the problem
This can range anywhere from small, localized issues to huge city-wide initiatives. Whichever area you decide to zoom in on, you should ensure that it’s a genuine problem which is affecting the manner in which people are living their lives. Essentially, you need to ponder on the results of your innovation in people’s lives. This is because a “smart city” should aim to improve the society and not merely use technology because it’s there. For instance, you can decide to improve the transport links such as the cities using the new BRT network, helping farmers harvest 25 growing cycles per annum by using LED-enabled indoor vertical farming or even solve environmental problems using luxury eco apartments in a similar way to that of San Diego.
Get in touch with the experts
Once you have identified the issue that needs solving – and gotten its backing – you need to consult the tech experts. Whereas there are numerous solutions available from entrepreneurs and small tech start-ups, there are also solutions to be found from larger institutions, research centers and universities all of whom are now also venturing into this area.
A combined effort is needed for the success of such large projects; the great example of one such problem solved is the City of Perth new cardboard processing plant. You should also ensure that all people are involved from the onset and also take the initiative to learn from the best. Since there are smart cities like Barcelona, Eindhoven, Keynes and Milton already, you can check them out for inspiration and education on their progress.
Going at it alone is not the best option.
Open data investment
Generally, half the battle is won if and when you get the proper tech setup. Without open data, people cannot be able to interact, understand and use smart cities.
Data which anyone can access, share and use is what is referred to as open data. This means that if you want to be able to monitor energy supplies, know where to park on a busy day or check the train schedule in real time, open data will be required in the smart city. It is only by thinking of how people live on a daily basis can you be able to come up with the solutions they need.
Do not complicate things
The remarkable thing about smart cities is that they are not only accessible to all people, but they are beneficial as well to all. Thus, everyone should be able to use them. Whether you consider yourself tech savvy or not, you have at one time or another grappled with getting the grip of a certain piece of technology. Therefore, even though some smart ideas will be advanced and clever, they shouldn’t be excessively clever to limit people in their use.
Education is the key
So at this point you’re probably thinking, “I have solved a genuine issue, gotten the entire necessary tech, made things simple and it’s over”. Well, not quite. You need to inform people about it. This is because education is very important for the success of your smart city.
Educate them what “smart city” is and what “Internet of Things” means and how can they improve the quality of living, show them the available apps and features available at their doorstep.
Without a doubt, there are many benefits of a smart city. Indeed, technology is really shaping the future in terms of the way we fill our space, live and communicate. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the energy you use, food you consume or transport you take, today, smart cities are allowing you to have power in your hands.