What is a smart city? And what are the particular issues facing Manchester in helping the city and its citizens “become smarter”?
The term “smart city” is a contested one, used by software developers, policy makers, branding experts and others. For Manchester, “SMARTiP” gives the city an opportunity to pilot some key projects that bring innovation to people. However, the city authorities cannot do this on their own – and locally we are keen to use the opportunities created by this project to leverage interest and engagement across the city.
We recently ran a one-day “innovation boardroom” bringing together a range of partners from the public sector, universities, large and small businesses and the commuunities to discuss what “Manchester: Smart City” might look like – and what the challenges are.
Leading with provocations from Dave Carter, head of MDDA, and lead officer for SMARTiP, and Cathy Garner, until recently head of Manchester: Knowledge Capital, a range of “round table discussions” took place, folllowed by people working together to suggest possible “smart city” ideas for Manchester.
We asked the people in the room to tell us what their involvement in “smart cities” was and what their thoughts were on making it happen.
Dave Carter, Head of MDDA
Julian Tait, Director, Littlestar Media Productions
Alasdair Rawthorne, Head of Computer Science, University of Manchester
Carmel Dickinson, Programme Manager, Manchester Informatics, University of Manchester
Cathy Garner, Innovation Consultant, Manchester: Knowledge Capital
Ian Kennedy, Senior Director, Cisco Systems
James Swanston, CEO, Carbon Voyage
Mike Riddell, Head of Partnerships, Hometownplus