When you think of being smart, you might instantly consider communities with higher education. But contrary to what one might think, the Ivy League cities do not have the corner on the market for being smart cities.
So what is a Smart City? A Smart City is a concept that was started in the last decade. They are also referred to as knowledge or digital cities or sometimes called an eco-city. These “Smart” cities focus on a number of key factors. First and foremost, they prioritize education, innovation, intellectual development and personal growth. Second, these digital cities are driving advanced technology becoming highly interconnected and investing in high speed internet network solutions. Lastly, they are creating an environment that is sustainable through adopting renewable resources. This pretty much cinches the deal when defining an actual Smart City. Like your Smart car, these communities are seeking ways to reduce our carbon footprint and invest in ecological advancements for a better quality of life.
According to a report from Director, Smart Cities Strategist from the IDC, the ultimate goal of a Smart City is attract businesses and citizens to create a vibrant city economy. One country that has emerged as a leader of Smart cities is India. Why? First, India is highly populated with over 1.2B residents and growing. Second, this growing population is driving more and more people from the rural markets to the overly crowded and dense urban cities. A lack of good employment opportunities outside of the metro areas has created significant poverty for millions of residents. India natives are seeking jobs and economic prosperity. It is estimated that by 2050 metro cities will exceed populations of 843M.
To accommodate the massive growth, the leadership of India recognizes that it must help to create opportunities around the county, not just in the urban areas. Hence the idea of a Smart City will help accomplish the following things:
- Slow down migration to urban areas and develop more urban areas in the country
- Will enhance the technology and living standard for Indians nationwide
- Lead to further advancement and development for the country at large
At the moment the Indian Government Ministry of Urban Development is championing a plan to create smart cities throughout the country in fact they expect to convert 70 cities into smart cities with million plus population. The cities of Ujjain and Jabalpur are the first targets. One of the first and most successful examples of a Smart City in India is Info City. This project is one that I am most personally proud to be associated with as this First Integrated I.T. Park in Gujarat, India under Joint Venture with Government of Gujarat – Public Private Partnership –was awarded for the best conceptualized I.T. Park in India with I.T. Zone, Commercial Zone, Township, and Club & Resort. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said, “Gujarat has embarked upon creating necessary infrastructure facilities for setting up IT project.” This city within a city may emphasize technology but is more successful for creating quality infrastructure and employing over 25,000 professionals across the campus. Now that is what I call smart!