The term “smart city” has become increasingly widespread over the last decade. For most people, it brings to mind concepts like hyper-connectivity, sustainability, smart roads and data-driven customisation in everyday services.
But one topic that doesn’t get nearly as much attention is the role of community-centric innovation. Yet it is of fundamental importance in modern urban planning.
In this article, we’ll explore how community-minded approaches are being used to build smart cities, based on real-world experience with our clients at Waymark. We’ll also look at how government leaders can successfully implement and monitor new technologies to positively impact urban communities.
Understanding smart cities
What distinguishes an urban space from a smart city? And at what point does a “normal” city become a smart city?
While there are no universal standards—“smart city” isn’t an official designation, after all - it is generally accepted that several objectives must be met for the label to apply.
First, the city in question must have up-to-date digital technologies integrated into the home and working environments of its inhabitants. Second, these technologies must be utilised for administrative and governmental efficiency. Finally, the broad integration of innovations should have a demonstrable impact on the economic, social and environmental health of the city.
Some prominent examples of smart cities are Singapore, Helsinki, Zurich and Oslo. Many American urban centres, like Los Angeles and Seattle, are also expected to become “smart” in the next decade.
Key technologies in building smart cities
Here is an overview of the main technologies used to build smart cities and leveraged by Waymark for our clients:
- IoT (internet of things): IoT connects devices and sensors to gather data and improve city operations, from traffic management to waste disposal.
- AI (artificial intelligence) and big data: AI and big data analysis help make sense of the vast amount of personal and environmental data collected.
- Sustainable energy and green technology: Smart cities prioritise clean energy sources and eco-friendly technology to reduce environmental impact.
- Advanced connectivity infrastructure: Robust and fast connectivity infrastructure, such as 5G and mesh networks, ensures seamless communication between devices and systems in the city.
Challenges and solutions
One of the unique tools we use at Waymark to assess the readiness of smart approaches is the SAS framework, which stands for “Simple, Affordable, Sustainable.” This encapsulates the three issues described below and ensures that solutions are fit for purpose from the get-go.
Here is a concise summary of the three main challenges associated with community-centric innovation and their respective solutions:
Privacy and security
Challenge: Privacy and security concerns arise when handling sensitive data, with the potential to undermine trust and legality.
Solution: The implementation of data protection measures, including encryption and access controls, along with compliance with the most recent regulations. Transparent data-sharing practices and informed consent from participants are crucial.
Budgetary constraints
Challenge: Scarce financial resources can impede the development and scalability of community-centric innovations.
Solution: Addressing budgetary constraints by diversifying funding sources through public-private partnerships and long-term development. Prioritising cost-effective open-source technologies and providing clear cost-benefit justifications can shore up public support.
Inclusivity
Challenge: The challenge of inclusivity relates to ensuring that innovations benefit all segments of society, including marginalised groups with varying needs.
Solution: Promote inclusivity by conducting comprehensive needs assessments and data analysis, developing universally accessible user interfaces, and actively encouraging digital literacy initiatives.
The future of smart cities
Here are three predictions about what we at Waymark believe the next decade has in store for smart cities:
- Emerging technologies: 5G (and eventually 6G) networks, edge computing, and IoT solutions will enhance data connectivity, enable real-time processing, and optimise urban resource management.
- Growing community engagement: Digital platforms and participatory decision-making will empower citizens to shape urban policies and services more quickly and easily, fostering involvement and a sense of ownership.
- Diminishing logistical barriers: Advances in technology deployment methodologies like modular infrastructure will simplify the implementation of smart city innovations.
Conclusion
As technology continues to change urban centres at an exponential rate, the need for a community-centric mindset among leaders cannot be understated.
Taking a long-term approach to the implementation of digital solutions, from advanced analytics to sustainability monitoring, will ensure an array of positive social, economic and environmental outcomes over the coming decades.
Book an Xploration and start your digital transformation
Are you ready to implement innovations at the cutting edge of community-centric technology? Book an Xploration with Waymark to discover practical, cost-effective solutions to your urban challenges.
