Tech focus: How we’ll build a smarter city together and why it matters

Economic growth is more than a Budget buzzword; today, it’s predicated by digitalisation. This megatrend represents one of our biggest investment opportunities and is critical for economic progress and addressing societal challenges. Digitalisation is not confined to a standalone tech sector; it’s transforming every industry. Businesses and institutions are already adopting technology to streamline operations, improve customer experience and drive growth. We must unlock its potential so community infrastructure can better serve and create more opportunities for people. Here’s how we can achieve this together.

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Your innovation is our future?

To harness the full potential of London as a ‘Digital City’, the partnership between tech firms, businesses, financial investors and policymakers must be strengthened. Cities exist for, and because of, people. To build a Digital City Londoners want to live in, we need their input and ideas to decide how to evolve our city so that it better serves people—your innovation is our future. Innovation Districts, Creative Enterprise Zones and tech clusters should lead in creating technology that solves societal challenges.

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Entrepreneurs have stressed the need for supportive policies and engagement to keep London as their city of choice. Access to finance, simplified regulations, tax incentives, a progressive digital infrastructure and access to talented staff are essential to digital advancement. Policymakers play a key role in implementing strategies that encourage collaboration and drive financial investment into scaling solutions which will deliver public benefit.

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Universal Connectivity

Universal connectivity is the foundation of building a smarter city, and tech firms play a crucial role in making this a reality. To achieve this, 5G and full fibre broadband must be prioritised and installed in public buildings and infrastructure across all boroughs by a set deadline. Improving connectivity will unlock the full potential of the Internet of Things and real time applications enabling businesses to deploy their innovations to improve public service delivery.

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Tech firms can lead projects to upgrade street infrastructure to support 5G rollout, working with local Councils to upgrade street furniture, like lampposts and bus shelters, which can be equipped with the necessary technology to accelerate deployment and make innovation a visible and valuable part of citizens’ everyday life. For instance, permeable paving helps manage heavy rainfall and prevent flooding, while lampposts equipped with air quality and traffic monitors demonstrate how technology can improve public health and enhance traffic reporting.

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However, the current pace of 5G deployment is too slow, hindered by regulatory challenges, costs, and public opposition to infrastructure installations due to aesthetic concerns and a lack of understanding of the benefits. Businesses can be part of the solution to this – collaborating with policymakers and network providers to streamline regulations and raising public awareness about the importance of 5G.

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Digital progress for all

At the centre of digitalisation, is its inclusion of all citizens. A city that is intolerant or loses sight of those on society's margins runs the risk of becoming sterile and disconnected. Inclusive planning is needed to ensure that digitalisation benefits everyone. Without this, digital advancements risk deepening divides and excluding marginalised communities from the city’s growth and resources. We need to ensure digital infrastructure creates better services and outcomes, ensuring that the benefits of digitalisation are accessible to all members of the community.

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Businesses play a key role in bridging the digital divide. By working with local government, they can develop solutions that increase access to technology, such as public Wi-Fi hotspots, affordable broadband services and digital literacy programmes. This must be a priority to ensure everyone benefits from the opportunity digitalisation brings. While politicians also play a key role in championing and guiding the digital transformation in a way that balances economic growth with social equity, it is the tech sector that will deliver the scalable solutions needed to deliver equitable access.

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Growing our skills economy

Technology is reshaping the job market, and reassurance is needed that digitalisation aligns with our societal values and will continue to deliver meaningful employment. It is a core political responsibility to create rewarding job opportunities for all. As technology is increasingly adopted into infrastructure, the government and business will need to work in collaboration to upskill the digital competencies of employees. This includes promoting a skills economy that provides people with the capabilities required for roles in the growing number of job opportunities in technology, science, engineering, and sustainability. Tech firms can help drive this transformation through partnering with establishments to deliver apprenticeships and vocational training in digital qualifications. Additionally, policies that promote lifelong learning and reskilling will enable workers of all ages to adapt their skills as job demands change.

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Unlock our potential with ethical data?

“London’s streets are paved with gold,” said Dick Whittington. In today’s world, data is the new gold and businesses are central to unlocking it’s transformative potential. Ethical data collection and optimisation are essential for solving London’s challenges. For instance, TfL’s open data has improved service transparency, offering real-time updates on transport and air quality. Similarly, the Metropolitan Police share crime statistics to enhance public awareness and safety.

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However, the full potential of data has not yet been deployed. Linking real-time data sets and using AI can transform public services. Imagine, for example, a police force that uses real-time data to predict and prevent crime more effectively. Central to its use, is the safety of information sharing, which must uphold ethical standards. As we increasingly integrate real-time data and AI into public services, robust cybersecurity measures are essential to protect our systems from cyber-attacks. Tech firms play a key role in building secure solutions that safeguard public data. To harness the potential safely and responsibly, politicians must establish standards for data quality and ethics and understand how data can be used to inform policies that improve the lives of all citizens, whilst maintaining privacy and trust.

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Building a smarter city goes beyond simply embracing technology; it requires aligning that technology with our values to benefit everyone. As we invest in universal connectivity, promote a skills economy, and unlock the power of data ethically, we must prioritise inclusivity and engagement with entrepreneurs and citizens. Businesses and tech firms are key partners in driving this transformation and politicians have a duty to champion these advancements, creating policies that drive economic investment and growth while safeguarding social equity. We must also create a safe society, with data shared ethically and consensually. By working together—tech firms, financial investors and policymakers—we can create a London that thrives in the digital age, ensuring opportunities for all.