Ep 40: The Future of 'Smarter' Cities

In this episode of Future Forward, Seyi and Reza explore the concept of smarter cities, discussing the evolution from traditional smart cities to more inclusive and community-focused urban environments. They delve into the historical context of smart city initiatives, cautionary tales like the Sidewalk Labs project in Toronto, and successful examples from cities like Barcelona, Seoul, and Curitiba. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community engagement, participatory governance, and digital inclusion in creating urban spaces that truly benefit their residents. The episode concludes with predictions for the future of smarter cities, highlighting the need for a shift towards cognitive cities that prioritize citizen needs and well-being.

takeaways

• The concept of smarter cities is evolving beyond just technology.
• Historical context shows that early smart city initiatives often prioritized tech over people.
• Cautionary tales like the Sidewalk Labs project highlight the importance of community engagement.
• Successful examples of smarter cities demonstrate the benefits of inclusive governance.
• Participatory governance leads to better community outcomes and urban policies.
• Digital inclusion is essential for equal opportunities in urban environments.
• Cities must treat digital systems as public infrastructure, not corporate assets.
• Community-led innovation will become the norm in urban planning.
• Measuring well-being and social cohesion is crucial for future smart cities.
• Cognitive cities will learn from citizen behaviors and adapt to their needs.

titles

• The Future of Smarter Cities
• From Smart to Smarter: Urban Evolution

Sound Bites

• "Digital inclusion ensures equal opportunities."
• "Community-led innovation will become the norm."
• "What are you measuring?"

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Smarter Cities

04:38
Historical Context of Smart Cities

09:16
Current Challenges in Smart City Initiatives

13:13
Successful Examples of Smarter Cities

18:35
Future Predictions for Smarter Cities