Kate Deacon, executive manager strategy and communications, tells us how and why we want to get smart.
A smart city uses technology and data to enhance the quality of life for its diverse communities. How do we know what better decisions need to be made?
We have a bold vision for smart transformation that puts people at its core. Cities are for people and we need to understand what problems need solving before we can make meaningful change.
We want to lead a problem-driven, evidence-based approach to provide real benefits for our communities. Data can help us understand and define those problems, measure progress and tell a story of how our city is performing.
The digital landscape is evolving – and quickly. How do you build a framework that uses the most current technology to respond to our city’s changing needs?
Rather than set a static agenda, we’ve created a living document that identifies the kinds of outcomes we want from the smart use of technology and data. We’ll regularly review and adapt this plan to meet challenges and harness opportunities as the city and technology evolves.
A smart city can’t be masterplanned. Instead, this framework is a call to action with people and agencies across our city – from government, established businesses and startups to academic institutions, community organisations and people who use and enjoy our city each day.
We want to lead a problem-driven, evidence-based approach to provide real benefits for our communities. Data can help us understand and define those problems, measure progress and tell a story of how our city is performing.
How can we be sure our data is used appropriately and ethically?
Our work is secure and ethical by design. We embed security and privacy protocols from the very beginning of a technology or data project to safeguard the digital rights of our communities.
How does good technology contribute to the economic growth of Sydney?
Research tells us that smart transformation has the potential to increate GDP per capita by 21%, but to do this, we need a strong innovation ecosystem. Having a concentration of diverse knowledge, skills and experience in innovation districts is a powerful force in creating new solutions and the commercialising ideas.
There are several innovation districts in Sydney, such as around Camperdown, Ultimo and Surry Hills where universities, startups, government and industries are clustered near transport hubs. The closer they work together, the more investment and smart people they will attract. And the more competitive and successful our city will become.
Tell us what you think about our draft smart city strategic framework.
Feedback closes at 5pm on Monday 17 February 2020.
Published 4 February 2020
