Solving all marketing problems: What is a city ‘smart’
The notion of a ‘smart city, as with most ‘catchy expressions’ has taken firm hold in the vocabulary of the 21st century.
Not a strategy goes remiss without this concept at least, getting a mention; yet, I submit , the idea still does not have a succinct meaning nor an effective communication concept.
For cities, who have at last recognized that they compete in the most important and fluid markets of all, that of labour and capital, the concept is problematic.
‘Smart’ has been hi-jacked by the technology companies
The city’s alignment to and investment in all things technological from digitally enabled traffic control systems, to power grids, to broadband enabling driverless cars, data integration etc. has been grasped by technology companies to market their products and services.
Whilst this is understandable as it opens a huge market for them, I doubt that the smart city is driven by technology.
Cities need to be smart, but not only in technological efficiencies.
As evidenced in the book by Prof. Edward Glaezer (Triumph of the City: How Our Greatest Invention Makes Us Richer, Smarter, Greener, Healthier, and Happier) and to a lesser extent Richard Florida’s ‘ Who’s your city?’ and ‘The rise of the creative class’, there seems little doubt that:
- Cities complete with all others for people.
- Smart people will determine the well-being of cities
- City marketing has gravitated toward attracting talented labour, as opposed to tourism (for those in the tourism sector, this is not bad news as happy fulfilled citizens actually induce tourism)
Competitive smart cities fuse their talented, technologically enabled and tolerant citizens (refer to Richard Florida’s 3 T’s) and simultaneously ensure that the dynamic between these is optimised.
There are shining examples of such cities; San Diego, Austin (Texas), Bristol (UK), Warsaw, Adelaide (Australia) to name but a few.
These cities do not stand on technology but on a lifestyle enriched by facilities, and infrastructure, talented people both resident and semi-resident (University students), a tolerant multi-cultural blend and economic prosperity.
Smart cities need smart leadership but not from where you would expect!
Often such stewardship does not emanate from local government officials (elected or otherwise), whilst they have a role to play, it is interesting that in mentioned smart cities there is more in the notion a common vision as opposed to a solitary ‘leader’ or group.
In true 21st century mode these cities allow the various sectors, organisations, and people to do what is required and to do what they do best ; so we see, for example:
- The firm links between commerce and industry and the tertiary education sectors, where in the mix,
- Major universities develop acumen and resources in and for the 21st century industries of their neighbourhood.
- Effective mechanisms are funded and established to ensure migration of talented students to the organisations requiring them both as employees and (entrepreneurial) suppliers.
- City councils acting and doing what is important for citizens and not justifying investments because ‘it is good for tourism’.
- They actively engage with the private and education sectors to create facilities for budding entrepreneurs, creative people and innovators
- They ensure that there is an enduring accountability in the expenditure of rate payers money
- People are encouraged to participate in the democratization of the city brand and its communication.
- Benefactors, and investors contribute and facilitate the education of all citizens in creative engaging ways.
Smart city – toward a defining concept
Is it not better to conceptualise a smart city as one, no matter the size, where people live harmoniously, in a lifestyle meeting and exceeding their needs; a place where employment opportunities exist and where well-being is a primary focus?
The ingredients for such a place surely rest on a balanced harmonious social interaction, technological efficiency and a growing talent pool.
This is not a utopian ideal; a number of cities are well on their way; but most have not seen themselves as technologically smart but as people smart; cities such as:
- Bristol and Glasgow, where there is strong alignment to educating for the 21st century industries of those cities. One finds a rich reservoir of talent cultivated and groomed by the universities; young people gravitating simply and seamlessly into industries many have not thought of, like:
- Animation in Bristol
- Game software and biosciences in Glasgow
- In San Diego the tertiary educated students are connected to commerce and industry via San Diego Connect; a non for profit, funded by the private sector to encourage and foster the growth of entrepreneurs; people who do not wish to work for but rather supply services and innovation to the major corporations in the city.
- In Austin where brand democratisation and private enterprise have harnessed the creativity of the students and the creative sector to host one of the most recognizable events on the planet – South by South West. An event for locals, that now induces prospective students and creative professionals to the city.
- In Warsaw and others cities in Europe such as Prague, where the city activity engages and provides land for the establishment of Technology and creative parks on a scale that makes them competitive almost from startup.
We can only hope, that some of our major cities see the light and move rapidly into the 21st Century, for is they don’t, we will continue to be a minor player in the world’s talent and financial markets.
Interested in this topic, herewith a few good reads:
Edward Glaezer: Triumph of the City: How Our Greatest Invention Makes Us Richer, Smarter, Greener, Healthier, and Happier
Richard Florida: ‘The rise of the Creative class’
Richard Florida: ‘Who’s your city?
Interested in this topic, herewith a few good reads:
The OECDs Territorial review: “Competitive cities in the Global Economy”