Smart City - A government perspective

Smarter cities are being created simply through the evolution and renovating of existing cities as well as the cultivation of new ones and this is taking place at an unparalleled rate.

This rapidly changing city requires ICT infrastructure technology which enhances the lives of citizens and welfare of it's habitation, encouraging businesses to invest and create a sustainable urban environment - thus resulting in a Smart City.

For governments to exploit the potential of smart city infrastructure, they must consider the three main activities:

Understand how the Smart City infrastructure can benefit the city by improving public services, enhancing the liveability of the city, expanding and diversifying the economy, and promoting sustainable development

Integrate plans for the implementation of ICT infrastructure with other plans for developing or renovating cities

Decide the role of the municipality will play in developing the ICT infrastructure for the Smart City.

Governments are in a unique position to play a pivotal role in equipping the cities for the challenge of the 21st century.  More importantly, governments can secure the long term viability of their city in a globalised market where the social environment and the built environment are as important as a factor in locating businesses as the economic environment.  Building a smart city now would be a smart move.