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Over the past few years, the citizens of the UK have seen a significant stride toward developing a data-driven Smart state. The government & various private firms have been preparing to harness the power of data. Every nation is well aware that data is the new oil. Therefore, private firms and public sector organizations want to leverage data to make smarter cities from a theoretical discourse to a reality.
Over the past decades, the UK government has started multiple initiatives like open data initiation, digital government services, smart industrialization with urban innovation, data governance, citizen data privacy, etc. For developing data-driven smart cities an achievable reality sooner or later, the nation should integrate data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and smart technologies.
This article is a clear blueprint showing the outline, vision, & key components to develop a sustainable smart city of the future with data-driven innovations and AI technologies.
Smart cities are an advancement in construction and city-wise infrastructure to develop advanced urban areas. Progressing this modernization of cities with data-driven approaches like data analytics, citizen's data-driven requirement, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and other smart devices like IoT and sensors explains the term data-driven smart city. With data-driven advancement across cities and urban areas, the nation can promote sustainable development, improving the efficiency of urban services and the quality of life for its residents.
Through data-driven initiatives to build an ecosystem for smart cities, the government & private firms should have a vision. The vision should be clear for leveraging data to make informed decisions that can help foster quality of life for the citizens of that state with improved public service.
For developing smart states or interconnection of cities, the government must take multiple initiatives. There are various essential components that the government & private sectors responsible for developing it must consider.
Smart cities are no longer a dream of the past but a mere future that is under development. However, the government & the private sectors can put more emphasis on the data-oriented culture. Here are the steps that a nation can follow to build a data-driven smart city.
To build a truly data-driven smart state in a developed nation, the coming decade should focus on the following:
We hope this article has provided a crisp idea of a data-driven smart state and how a nation can build one. Building such a state with multiple smart cities is both inspiring and achievable. Therefore, with the appropriate use of data analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and smart devices or sensors, the government can transform the overall state infrastructure. To execute such a vision, the nation should come up with strategic plans - backed by robust data governance & investment in infrastructure. Such a smart state led by data-oriented analytics will help improve the overall quality of life for the citizens of the state.
Here at VE3, we are committed to supporting this transformation with cutting-edge solutions and expertise to drive the development of smart states and cities. To read more such articles, visit our digital insider or contact us directly.
Building the Smarter State is techUK’s flagship public services conference for public sector digital leaders. 2024 marks the tenth anniversary of this hugely influential conference, where we will focus on the most pressing and important topics for public sector digital transformation.
Head of Central Government Programme, techUK
Heather is Head of Central Government Programme at techUK, working to represent the supplier community of tech products and services to Central Government.
Prior to joining techUK in April 2022, Heather worked in the Economic Policy and Small States Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat. She led the organisation’s FinTech programme and worked to create an enabling environment for developing countries to take advantage of the socio-economic benefits of FinTech.
Before moving to the UK, Heather worked at the Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas and the Central Bank of The Bahamas.
Heather holds a Graduate Diploma in Law from BPP, a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from LSE, and a BA in Economics and Sociology from Macalester College.
Programme Manager, Central Government, techUK
Ellie joined techUK in March 2018 as a Programme Assistant to the Public Sector team and now works as a Programme Manager for the Central Government Programme.
The programme represents the supplier community of technology products and services in Central Government – in summary working to make Government a more informed buyer, increasing supplier visibility in order to improve their chances of supplying to Government Departments, and fostering better engagement between the public sector and industry. To find out more about what we do, how we do this and how you can get involved – make sure to get in touch!
Prior to joining techUK, Ellie completed Sixth Form in June 2015 and went on to work in Waitrose, moved on swiftly to walking dogs and finally, got an office job working for a small local business in North London, where she lives with her family and their two Bengal cats Kai and Nova.
When she isn’t working Ellie likes to spend time with her family and friends, her cats, and enjoys volunteering for diabetes charities. She has a keen interest in writing, escaping with a good book and expanding her knowledge watching far too many quiz shows!
Programme Manager, Central Government, techUK
Austin joined techUK’s Central Government team in March 2024 to launch a workstream within Education and EdTech.
With a career spanning technology, policy, media, events and comms, Austin has worked with technology communities, as well as policy leaders and practitioners in Education, Central and Local Government and the NHS.
Cutting his teeth working for Skills Matter, London’s developer community hub, Austin then moved to GovNet Communications where he launched Blockchain Live and the Cyber Security and Data Protection Summit. For the last 3 years he has worked with leaders in Education across the state and independent schools sectors, from primary up to higher education, with a strong research interest in technology and education management.
Team Assistant, Markets, techUK
Ella joined techUK in November 2023 as a Markets Team Assistant, supporting the Justice and Emergency Services, Central Government and Financial Services Programmes.
Before joining the team, she was working at the Magistrates' Courts in legal administration and graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2022. Ella attained an undergraduate degree in History and Politics, and a master's degree in International Relations and Security Studies, with a particular interest in studying asylum rights and gendered violence.
In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, watching true crime documentaries, travelling, and making her best attempts to become a better cook.
Programme Manager, Cyber Security and Central Government, techUK
Annie joined techUK as the Programme Manager for Cyber Security and Central Government in September 2023. In this role, she supports the Cyber Security SME Forum, engaging regularly with key government and industry stakeholders to advance the growth and development of SMEs in the cyber sector.
Before joining techUK, Annie was an Account Manager at a specialist healthcare agency, where she provided public affairs support to a wide range of medical technology clients. She also gained experience as an intern in both an MP’s constituency office and with the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed. Annie holds a degree in International Relations from Nottingham Trent University.
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Agile Project Manager, VE3