1. Take data as destiny. Smart cities depend on a host of technologies, but their beating heart is data. As the Internet of Things rapidly expands, governments have an opportunity to add layers of complexity to their datasets and garner richer insights than ever. However, the more data that is available and the more sources this data comes from, the more difficult it becomes to analyse it. The International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts that the digital universe will weigh in at a colossal 44 zettabytes of data by 2020. For governments, this means that action must be taken now to ensure that the volume does not become unmanageable. To achieve this, data should be gathered under a strategy that clearly defines the purpose of the analysis. Driven by this strategy, data collection should then be designed with analytics and ongoing tracking embedded from the outset, rather than tacked on as an afterthought.
2. Watch the watchmen. In addition to these technical considerations, we need to address human concerns when collecting data. Headlines regarding ownership rights and third-party access to data (including by security services) have fuelled public mistrust of data collection techniques. There are also justified concerns from the public over personal data being used in such a way that identifies previously anonymized information.
There are lessons here for any organization involved in data collection. An honest, transparent dialogue around the use of data, and improved legislation to regulate it, should be the bedrock of trustworthy data collection. Nicola Blackwood, Chair of the UK’s Commons Science and Technology Select Committee, suggests the formation of a ‘Council of Data Ethics’ to address the public’s concerns, and that privacy could be better protected by making the release of previously anonymized data a criminal offence.
Public consent cannot be taken for granted, and providing options to control how much and what type of data is being handed over – and to whom – will go a long way to restoring trust. Options should also be provided for the user to revoke access to their data at a later stage, to enhance further a relationship based on free and informed consent.
There are lessons here for any organization involved in data collection. An honest, transparent dialogue around the use of data, and improved legislation to regulate it, should be the bedrock of trustworthy data collection. Nicola Blackwood, Chair of the UK’s Commons Science and Technology Select Committee, suggests the formation of a ‘Council of Data Ethics’ to address the public’s concerns, and that privacy could be better protected by making the release of previously anonymized data a criminal offence.
Public consent cannot be taken for granted, and providing options to control how much and what type of data is being handed over – and to whom – will go a long way to restoring trust. Options should also be provided for the user to revoke access to their data at a later stage, to enhance further a relationship based on free and informed consent.
3. Collaborate to progress. Whether modelling city budgets or co-creating constitutions, citizen participation in developing smart cities is essential. While governments should retain responsibility for data collection, they must also recognize that private actors are often better at putting that data into effect.
4. Benefit from engagement. Wellbeing will be at the heart of the smartest cities. Not only does collaboration lead to better products, but it also creates a less anxious population. Research shows that citizens equipped with more information – about how long their train may take to arrive, say – are less stressed. The implication for government policy is that transparency and sharing leads to a more contented and trusting population.
5. Don’t forget the architect. Throughout this chapter we have focused on the technology and data that will enable the cities of the future. This is not to say that we do not believe in the vital role that architects and creators of place are playing and will continue to play in the future city. An aesthetic that leads to an innate design-led liveability and the use of sustainable materials will spell great opportunity as we create the living spaces of tomorrow.