Really looking forward to techUK's #BuildingtheSmarterState2024 conference tomorrow, and not just because I get to venture out of my home-office to spend some time with real people in the real world!
A wise approach to the ‘smarter state’, city or place for me is one that takes the holistic and balanced approach, one that is responsive to the rhythms of real life and living. The smarter state is an ecosystem sustainably designed and balanced to meet the needs of people (co-designed with citizens through effective citizen participation, deliberation and collaboration) as well as the ecological environment (for the non-human others that don’t have a voice), and importantly set within conditions (systems, structures, cultures) that enable a realistic chance for the actors (including public authorities and suppliers) to meet their collective mandates. [Wow, that turned out to be a longer sentence than I expected 😂]
In a conference that speaks through the lens of technology, it is important to remember that 'in the universalising rush towards smartness, that is, the city of networks, platforms, algorithmic logics, surveillance, clouds, and big data, it is important to consider what remains in the shadows and what is revealed in the glitches…. It is, at least in part, from these shadows that the frictions, troubles and resistance that can transform and remake the smart city among more just lines will emerge.’ (Designing More-Than-Human Smart Cities, Heitlinger et al).
I’d love to have some interesting conversations so please do say hello if our paths cross tomorrow. I head up SocietyWorks, the commercial arm of mySociety. mySociety has produced research and delivered digital services that dwell at the intersection of citizens, technology, and public authorities for over 20 years.
Finally, a huge thank you to those who generously give their time to raise awareness and draw us into active thought, reflection and dialogue over key issues that impact our society.
Daring to dream 💪
Founder at FutureSmart City | Urban Innovation & Economic Revitalization Expert | Open to Strategic Opportunities
4moI won’t be able to make it to Austin this year, but I would love to get your slides and notes post event and learn more about what yall are building! If that’s something you’re willing to do, please let me know what email to reach out to. Thanks and kick all the butt during your presentation!