What are the characteristics of a Successful Smart City?
One of the most popular questions regarding the development of Smart City is, what makes a Smart City successful?
We compared articles from Huawei and IOT (Internet of Things) Analytics to find out what are some of the key ingredients needed to create a successful Smart City. Here are some of the similarities that were shared:
- Citizens-Come-First Mindset
One of the known and common reasons in building a Smart City is very often that the government would like to build a better place for its citizens to live in. Budel, CTO of Hwawei pointed out that there are two convolutions to what it means by being citizen-centric. The first example is that having a Smart City can neutralize the often conflicting demands from the residents, and distinguish them from what is wanted, as compared to what is needed and sustainable. The second example would be that the Smart City considers and serves everything that is wanted of its citizens. Both Budel and IOT Analytics agree that the underlying focus is to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants.
2. Investment, Impact and Outcome
Though it is important that money plays a huge role in the building of Smart City, successful Smart Cities do not usually look for a Return on Investment (ROI), but use a different accounting model. While it is crucial to watch the spendings (it’s taxpayer money, after all!), the success should also be of a different measurement- for example, the outcomes.
Every step towards the building of Smart City should exhibit long-term character. Enforcing specific Smart City solutions should not solely focus on addressing one single goal (eg: improving traffic conditions) but geared towards the approach of achieving an overarching Smart City vision.
Smart cities should use indexes from results in the social, education, healthcare, and environmental factors. One good example is, instead of measuring how many cars are in the state and what is the level of carbon emissions every hour, did the measurements of respiration health of children and seniors increase over time?
3. Digital Platforms
Budel shared that from his experiences, Smart Cities have great technical partners. So great that they do not have to worry about the technology aspects of the Smart City, and allow its partner to work wonders.
Both IOT and Budel agree that it does not matter if the digital company privately, or government-owned. The key aspect is the ability to be technically competent as they claim. And have an efficient and effective service.
Till the next article, LimeTribes!
