New report from TechUK argues partnerships between councils and tech provides can help tackle issues such as climate change and the cost of living
The increased cost of living and pressure to cut carbon emissions means it has never been more important for local authorities to develop "smart city capabilities".
That is the central conclusion of a new report from trade association TechUK, titled Demystifying the smart city - working towards better implementation, which urges cities of all sizes to embrace partnership opportunities with technology companies to enable more efficient and innovative delivery of services.
Read more: GB: Local authorities urged to embrace 'smart city capabilities'
CityFibre has commenced work on St Helens' digital transformation with a £30 million Full Fibre investment.
Construction of the £30m Borough-wide full fibre network has begun in the Peasley Cross area and is being delivered by O'Connor Utilities Ltd on behalf of CityFibre. The team will use a range of construction methods while working in close partnership with St Helens Borough Council and local communities to deliver a rollout while minimising potential disruption.
Read more: GB: North West England: CityFibre Begins Work On St Helens' Digital Transformation
A northern UK smart city partnership is running a six-week Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G accelerator programme this September and is inviting tech start-ups to take part.
Sunderland City Council is working with communications infrastructure provider BAI Communications (BAI) and tech support firm Sunderland Software City.
Read more: GB: Northern England: Sunderland launches IoT and 5G accelerator
‘Digital transformation’ as a concept can seem pretty vague, ranging from the mundane - such as improving the tech abilities of workers – to implementing concepts that were once considered science fiction; such as installing ‘smart bins’ that know when they are full or introducing robot street sweepers.
Countries around the world have built huge economies around their digital sectors, often concentrated in large, global cities such as Hong Kong, San Francisco and London, and Scotland also has grand ambitions to improve the “skills, culture, public sector and inclusive infrastructure” of a “digital nation”.
Read more: GB: Scotland's digital transformation: a process of evolution
Infrastructure and connectivity specialist Connexin has announced the expansion of its alternative, full fibre network built into Beverley as it continues with its mission to provide a “greater choice of broadband services for residents throughout the North”.
Founded in Hull in 2006, Connexin proclaims itself to be an “innovative and disruptive” technology company specialising in building and operating award-winning Smart City infrastructure to support the Internet of Things.