SmartCity and Smart Building are undoubtedly the fashionable concepts. Increasingly often found in media, statistics, news, conferences and congresses, and reports of both public and private entities, talking about integrating technology and intelligent systems in cities and buildings. It is an essential step to move forward. But what are they exactly? What agents are involved? What are the advantages for citizens? Do they really represent a revolution as powerful as discussed? What role does security plays within them?
Undoubtedly, there are many questions that arise in dealing with this concept... So many that a slight approach to the subject comes to frighten the most intrepid. So some brushstrokes will serve us for now to make an approach to these new trends, which are actually much closer (in time and space) than we believe. In this first part of the blog we will discuss the SmartCity.
The concept of SmartCity or Intelligent City refers to the use of new technologies in various fields, systems and infrastructures to achieve a sustainable, efficient, safe, functional and controlled city.
The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life of citizens, through responsible management of resources, improving the efficiency of urban services, a flow of agile information between citizens, businesses and institutions, and control and automation of process. In short, a connected and collaborative society to change the way we live in cities and relate and interact with the environment.
A comprehensive concept of SmartCity addresses six axes or dimensions:
Implementation of use of the ICT in enterprises, economic promotion, support to entrepreneurship, internationalization, business spaces.
Education and training, e-learning, continuing training, R&D&i, human capital.
Investment in ICT of the Public Administration, online public services, transparent governance, promotion of innovation, e-democracy.
Connectivity and ICT infrastructure, public internet access.
Security and trust, culture and identity.
e-health, accessibility and e-inclusion.
In short, it is about developing better places to live including:
Incorporation of ICT in public services and administrative management, with accessible services through technology platforms from different devices.
Maximum use of new technologies and communication networks to manage the city and provide services to citizens in a connected way.
Connectivity and transport planning. Promoting efficient and sustainable means of transportation such as electric vehicles and bicycles.
Process automation which helps streamline and optimize the operation of systems of the city.
Public access to internet and e-inclusion of all groups and sectors.
Responsible management of resources. Conscious consumption of limited resources.
Integration of new technologies in the spaces for self-management and communication with citizens.
Sufficient social infrastructures: schools, libraries, hospitals, museums and cultural centers, sports facilities, etc. that respond to the needs of the population.
Economic intelligence, which promotes strategies that promote local development and business growth. ICT penetration in enterprises and fostering innovation.
Efficient energy consumption. Promoting the use of counters that control energy consumption to optimize through energy efficient appliances and electrical systems.
Safe and controlled cities through video surveillance, control of both outdoor areas and buildings (especially in institutions, public or private), mechanisms of identity verification of citizens, access control in buildings and facilities.
Green and environmentally sustainable cities. With senough spaces and gardens, encouraging the consumption of renewable and clean energy, minimizing carbon footprint, reducing pollution levels, boosting recycling products, and ultimately, a policy of environmental respect in all areas.
For the development of a SmartCity project, it is essential the involvement of public and private actors. First, it is essential the participation of municipalities from the institutional point of view, as leaders and drivers of change and project promoters. And of course, and not least, the involvement of companies and sectors such as engineering, architecture, construction, security, transportation, and of course, telecommunications and technology in general, providing innovative solutions that enable the transformation of cities.
According to some reports, the number of SmartCities will triple by 2025. In Spain we already have a Spanish Network of Smart Cities (RECI), with more than 62 participants, among which there are large cities like Madrid and Barcelona, but also other smaller ones, such as Gijon, Santiago de Compostela, Salamanca, or Alcala de Henares to name a few.
In By we believe in technology and innovation to help development and improve the lives of people.
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*Source: http://www.uclg-digitalcities.org/