Most of us live in cities, and the percentage is growing
The municipal leaders charged with running these complex networks of people, infrastructure and services are on a constant search for more efficient ways to analyse data, anticipate problems and coordinate resources in their cities. The goal for many is to become a Smart City, one that, through technology, better understands its own ecosystem, and continually improves its operation as a result. In 2013, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills produced a report called ‘Smart Cities Market – Opportunities for the UK’ which demonstrated the global opportunity associated with smart city development is £250bn.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Smart Cities brings together Parliamentarians with the British academics, NGOs, businesses and local governments that are leading the global smart cities revolution. Together, we raise awareness of the many issues associated with Smart Cities, and provide a platform for stakeholders from different sectors to collaborate and share best practices.
If you would like to learn more about Smart Cities, I’d encourage you to explore the resources section of this website, which will be continually updated, and if you are interested in joining us, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
Iain Stewart MP
Chair, APPG Smart Cities