Smart People
The most important resource of a city, is undoubtedly, its people. A smart city needs smart citizens to be able to function. Even if decision makers put plans in place, without the cooperation and engagement of the people, nothing would work. Hence a vibrant sustainable city puts its citizens at the heart of its plans. From project selection, to tiny details, citizens are involved in everything
A decade ago cities wanting to convert to digital invested a lot of money and resources into complex and sophisticated technology and equipment. However, this had no positive impacts whatsoever. This was because the governments didn’t look at the implications and issues it would create with the citizens, and what was really required.
Hence we see that for a city to cope with the challenges of the future, its citizens need to be involved and engaged in the development of their city. They need to be creative, to be able to find innovative solutions to the problems of their city. Most importantly they need to be able to embrace change and innovation, and not be stuck up in the old ways. They also need to be respectful and inclusive towards all members of society.
Singapore has an app called Beeline, which draws on aggregated data to create new transport routes based on demand from the public. Singapore also regularly holds hackathons, including a recent smart port contest, and a GIS mapping technology challenge that encourages citizens to develop solutions.
One of Dubai's initiatives is Happiness Meter, a program that lets users rate their experience while using government websites, apps or services like the police or transport authority. Decision makers can view this data in real time, which helps them to improve the quality of services offered.
All over the world, cities are taking initiatives to make their people's life easier. The success of these initiatives depends on interaction by its people.
Governments are also realizing that they can’t take on everything themselves and how much benefit could come from involving citizens more, so now they’re conducting small citizen-lead interventions that are proving to be more beneficial and having a positive impact. Citizens need to push and oppose institutions more and more to get involved and it is important for more and more institutions to develop citizen-oriented projects. After all, all the investments and work to boost development is being done for the benefit of the citizens. Everyone has to work together for the most benefit.
There is a developing smart city in Spain called ‘Valladodid’ which has created an innovation agency to develop intelligence and creativity related projects with citizens who know what they’re doing being involved. More and more projects like these are required all over the world.