We Need Smarter Cities, Not “Smart Cities”
upstart writes:
A singular focus on high-tech will dilute the vibrancy of our cities and limit their potential:
The term "smart cities" originated as a marketing strategy for large IT vendors. It has now become synonymous with urban uses of technology, particularly advanced and emerging technologies. But cities are more than 5G, big data, driverless vehicles, and AI. They are crucial drivers of opportunity, prosperity, and progress. [...]
A focus on building "smart cities" risks turning cities into technology projects. We talk about "users" rather than people. Monthly and "daily active" numbers instead of residents. Stakeholders and subscribers instead of citizens. This also risks a transactional-and limiting-approach to city improvement, focusing on immediate returns on investment or achievements that can be distilled into KPIs.
Truly smart cities recognize the ambiguity of lives and livelihoods, and they are driven by outcomes beyond the implementation of "solutions." They are defined by their residents' talents, relationships, and sense of ownership-not by the technology that is deployed there.
[...] Where technology can play a role, it must be applied thoughtfully and holistically-taking into account the needs, realities, and aspirations of city residents. Guatemala City, in collaboration with our country office team at the UN Development Programme, is using this approach to improve how city infrastructure-including parks and lighting-is managed. The city is standardizing materials and designs to reduce costs and labor, and streamlining approval and allocation processes to increase the speed and quality of repairs and maintenance. Everything is driven by the needs of its citizens. Elsewhere in Latin America, cities are going beyond quantitative variables to take into account well-being and other nuanced outcomes.
[...] Coordinating and implementing the complex efforts required to reach these goals is far more difficult than deploying the latest app or installing another piece of smart street furniture. But we must move beyond the sales pitches and explore how our cities can be true platforms-not just technological ones-for inclusive and sustainable development. The well-being of the billions who call the world's cities home depends on it.
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