‘Smart city’ emerged as a concept in the early 2010s to describe the use of new advances in technology and data to make better decisions about governing cities and delivering public services. Since then, interest in the concept has exploded, attracting influence, investment, and criticism across the world. Market research (by MarketsandMarkets) has shown that the smart city market is expected to grow globally from $313bn in 2015 to $757bn in 2020.
Governments and policymakers however have struggled to grapple with how to bring the promise of smart cities to the ‘messy’ reality of their cities. That messy reality has not deterred ‘Silicon Valley’ tech companies such as Uber and Airbnb, as they spread around the world at an astonishing pace, leaving policymakers and regulators scrambling to understand and react to the digital disruption they bring.
It is in this context that this talk will discuss how technological transformation can lead to reimagining city services to:
- Optimise efficiency
- Make government more transparent
- Improve quality of life
- Foster sustainability
Currently a Smart Cities consultant for Arup, an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical specialists, Ina Dimireva is at the cutting edge of making smart cities more liveable, sustainable and prosperous. We are delighted to be welcoming alumna Ina (MPhil in Planning Growth & Regeneration at Land Economy), to Hughes for a ‘fireside’ chat where she will share her experiences and insights working in this fascinating sector.
Come to this event and find out:
- What are the challenges and opportunities that smart cities respond to?
- How can technology transform public services?
- Smart city success stories from around the globe
- Current projects that Ina is working on in her role
Refreshments provided.
This is a business subject area focus event but open to all disciplines.
Book via: https://smartcities26oct.eventbrite.co.uk
