🇺🇸 Transforming cities: The City of Elyria, Ohio and Dataswift

It was back in February that I met Frank Whitfield, Mayor of the city of Elyria.

I had a vision of a world where economic wealth was created and then redistributed through personal data accounts, where businesses and people were both benefiting from personal data. Mayor Frank had a vision of the city and citizens – leapfrogging current technology into a future state where connectivity and technology starts with the person, creating a revolution in jobs and the next generation of entrepreneurs. Bringing us together was Youngjin Yoo, Professor in Digital Transformation at Case Western Reserve University. He was the catalyst to a unique project – bringing a post- pandemic city into a new digital era. In the Data Economy 2.0, citizens will own their data and identity, and use this with new applications and services to bridge online and offline activities in a way that keeps them safe and private – all while the economy benefits from the multiplier effect that data is able to achieve.

It took us awhile but finally, we got there. This week, Dataswift will be announcing the start of the programme for the city transformation of Elyria.

What we wish to achieve

Energise markets and create economic opportunities in Elyria, with Elyrians and their own PDAs and identities.

Innovate with businesses to create new apps and services – combining online and physical experiences.

Engage with communities in Elyria to help with skills training and entrepreneurship development. City Transformation doesn’t have to start with sensors and tech. They start with people and creativity.

Help Elyria fundraise to keep the programme going all year round.

Build partnerships that bring real benefits to the city.

Why we are doing this

So much of the pandemic world is a legacy of centralised systems. We believe we have the architecture, the blueprint and the technology to change that. At least the starter versions of it. Why won’t we help? As a mission-led company with a global expansion strategy to roll out Data Economy 2.0, we have an opportunity to take action to help our post-pandemic cities leapfrog into a new economy. And we want to work with cities to make this a reality; one city at a time, starting with Elyria.

What the programme is

Our City Transformation programme has four stages – Inspiration, Ideation, Learning and Entrepreneurship Development. These stages will include our tried and tested community engagement activities such as Hack from Home, the Ethical Tech Alliance. and various programmes that have brought communities together. These activities now come together under the City Transformation programme.

Our global ecosystem partners are also getting involved in how they can help with Elyria. While it’s a small city, it is a microcosm of the USA. We may have some of the know-how and technology; but our partners can bring their experience and help us achieve the goals. Frank, Youngjin and I are super excited to kick this off.