How Connectivity is Changing the World
The world continues to evolve, are you ready for it?
There’s not a human being on earth that can dispute the fact that technology is driving society. With the continuous advent of new technologies comes new ways to do nearly everything — from how we communicate and how we get information, to how we work, play and live. So it’s no surprise that an increasing number of cities across the world are adapting and implementing innovative technologies that are spurring economic growth and improving the way its citizens are living their lives. Here’s a look at how connectivity is changing the world:
Cities are getting smart
Municipalities around the world are taking advantage of today’s most cutting edge technological tools to improve life. Smart cities, which use digital technologies and information and communication technologies to improve their public services, to decrease their carbon footprint and to enhance life for their residents, is on the rise. And it couldn’t happen at a better time — because experts predict that the world’s urban population will double by the year 2050. Smart cities will be uniquely equipped to deal with the increase in population by providing their residents with more enhanced services, a lower cost solution to public services and an increase in governmental efficiency.
Let’s talk money
As local government leaders embrace and implement new technology that allows them to better manage their cities, the direct result is a decrease in operational expenses. When the city improves things like public transportation, public parking, utilities and telecommunication services, not only do the residents benefit, visitors do as well. The more pleasant and convenient it is to visit a city, the more likely people will want to visit, which increases the city’s bottom line.
Everyone is going green
We’ve heard all this talk about going green for decades now, but what you may not know is that connectivity plays a major role in a city’s environmental impact. Smart cities that adapt things like networked LED street lights, solar paneled bus shelters, smart parking apps that direct drivers to the nearest open spot, pay-as-you-throw waste management systems and more are impacting the environment on many levels. From reduced traffic to using less gas, reducing emissions, increased recycling, reduced waste and less use of electricity, there’s no doubt as to the positive effects of utilizing digital tools to improve a city’s ecological footprint.
Communication is more open than ever before
We’ve all witnessed in wonder as videos, newscasts and events spread around the world and go viral within moments. And most people know the incredible power and scope of the Internet. There’s virtually nothing you cannot find out if you have access to a computer, phone or mobile device with an Internet connection. Cities that use this power to connect and communicate with their citizens are not only smart — they’re empowering their communities with the ability to communicate with each other, to have access to all kinds of information. This includes everything from health inspection reports for local restaurants, water and air quality reports, real time traffic and news, events in the city and much more. Free Wi-Fi in bus and train stations, malls and other public places keeps the connection constant, even when residents are on the move.
Continuous motion
A city is in constant motion and those urban destinations that don’t get onboard with the latest smart technologies to improve transportation will continue to be in a gridlock. Solutions like demand-based parking systems that offer expanded payment options and occupancy sensors, smart bus stops that offer digital bus schedules and Wi-Fi connections, and bike-sharing programs that offer a whole new way for people to get around, are decreasing traffic and improving the flow of those still on the road. Many local governments are also implementing charging stations for smart cars, car share programs and traffic signal systems that offer city leaders the data they need to better manage traffic flow and improve the commuter traffic experience.
There’s no doubt that as our digital universe continues to evolve. Those cities that invest in new smarter infrastructure will not only be perceived as ‘smarter’ and ‘more connected’ internally and externally, they’ll have a community full of better engaged and more informed citizens. They’ll also reap the rewards that result in maximizing today’s newest technological tools in the form of economic growth and reduced operational costs.
Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, Co-founder and visionary behind P3 Global Management, P3GM. At P3GM he leads the global development and policy work behind structuring Public Private Partnerships (#PPP) around smart infrastructure with local, state and federa
