Integrated, inclusive approach key to success of smart city projects: Experts

The 13^th National Summit on e-Governance & Digital India organised by national business chamber Assocham in Delhi NCR turned the spotlight on some of the key issues to be addressed in the development of smart cities, in particular digital infrastructure. The experts cited that IT & telecom network and connectivity bottlenecks are hampering the development of digital infrastructure in the smart cities in the making. Robust connectivity is central to the effectiveness of digital infrastructure which will also impact the use of digital signages.

The panelists pointed out that innovations are key to smart city development and that such innovations are more evident in the Tier I & II cities rather than the metro cities.

It was also pointed out that most firms and entities engaged in smart city development seem to be operating in silos whereas an integrated approach is what will determine the success of smart city projects.

A smart city is not just about putting digital infrastructure but doing it in a clean way and advanced way. “We need lesser but better infrastructure and sharing of asset and active infrastructure,” the panelists said.

It was stated that lots of innovations are coming up from start-ups and small companies which aren’t getting due attention. The tenders are drafted in such a way that start-ups and innovations are losing out. The projects need to be inclusive of everything.