Erika Lewis
CEO, Connected Places Catapult
Smart cities have evolved over two decades, shifting from a one-size-fits-all tech-driven model to a broader approach, using technology as a tool for better urban living.
A wider appreciation of ‘place’ has created new ways of reimagining connectivity within and between cities, wider regions, transport networks and infrastructure systems. A truly connected place is where living, working and getting from A to B is made better by the systems, infrastructure and economy of that place. It is sustainable, prosperous and inclusive, with community at its heart.
Breaking down digital silos
Today, much has already been digitised in cities, but the integrated digital transformation of connected places has barely begun. The information produced by transport systems, local authorities and energy grids remains locked away in silos. It is often integrated into complex systems-of-systems and managed by outdated technology.
If we are to solve complex challenges like climate change, ageing infrastructure and housing shortages we must have high-quality data that is more readily accessible across organisations, supply chains and sectors.
We must have high-quality data
that is more readily accessible across
organisations, supply chains and sectors.
Potential of interoperable data
The message is clear: without interoperable data, the benefits of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) remain purely theoretical. The economic case for action is compelling too. The Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan has identified an opportunity for a £470 billion GDP uplift per annum for the UK over 10 years.
As the UK’s innovation accelerator for transport, the built environment, cities and local growth, we are working with the Government on the creation of a Data Sharing Infrastructure Hub (DSIH) to sit alongside a National Data Library.
The aim is to support data-sharing across sectors and to responsibly, securely and ethically unlock the value of data by making it readily and safely available. Early economic analysis suggests that the DSIH could make a meaningful contribution to economic growth over the coming decade with projected benefit-cost ratios upwards of 20:1.
Bridging gaps across systems
To achieve this, we need a step-change in how we bridge the gaps across our fragmented systems. The good news is that we are now at a point where digital technology is not only helping Government and business to harness the value of data in new ways; it can also unlock the transformative potential of connected places.
