Laying the foundations for a smart city

Smart cities are the way of the future and will benefit not only businesses and governments but also its residents. The technology that will help could range from increased security, thanks to the likes of HD Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled CCTV and parking optimisation, through to smart lighting and a fully WiFi-enabled town centre to improve connectivity. There could also be green initiatives, such as electric car charging and monitoring air quality via phones, to reduce pollution exposure by citizens.

With better living conditions for its residents, their numbers will swell and this will lead to an increase in businesses as demand for them grows, which in term will boost employment opportunities, all of which will benefit local councils through greater income from tax, which can then be reinvested.

So the question is how can this be achieved...

Connectivity is a major focus. City centres need to be able to offer high quality Wi-Fi connectivity, which in turn could allow businesses to provide more personalised services through apps and as well as mobile checkout facilities and click-and-collect, thereby being able to compete with ecommerce. It could also facilitate the connection between people living in cities and therefore build stronger communities, creating a better place for people to live and work.

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