Londoners are being asked to share their ideas on how smart technology can help shape the capital’s development.
Mayor Sadiq Khan and Theo Blackwell, London’s first Chief Digital Officer, are seeking views on their Smart London Plan which will inform the mayor’s policies and relating to data-sharing, improved connectivity and digital skills.
The plan aims to build on the Met’s successful adoption of Body Worn Cameras – the largest rollout of the technology anywhere in the world – and Transport for London’s pioneering development of contactless fares which has seen some of its code and software reused in other global cities.
TfL’s open data policy has also played a major role in supporting app developers, allowing them to provide real-time travel information on bus arrival times and roadworks which may delay journeys.
Mayor Khan, said: “I’ve been clear in my ambition for London to become the world’s leading smart city – and I want to know how this technology is affecting Londoners’ lives and to understand in what ways we can build on this with new technologies in the future.
“We want London to be the global home of the data economy, to seize the benefits of new artificial intelligence, and inspire a new generation of inventors and developers to make our city even better.
Mr Blackwell added: “London’s tech talent are the enablers in helping shape the future use of data in the capital.
“We want to hear from everyone working in tech or who uses tech on what measures they think we should take to help manage London’s growth and deliver better public services.
“Digital technology is transforming the way we live and work. If we’re to realise our ambition to become the world’s leading smart city we need to harness the opportunities of data to foster closer collaboration between institutions.”
Due to be launched in June, the plan will be developed with partnership with Bloomberg Associates and will ensure London’s ambitions match those of other world cities.
To contribute to the listening exercise on the forthcoming Smart London Plan, visit: london.gov.uk/smart-london.
