The role of future ICT in city development

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this article is to explore the role of information and communications technologies (ICT) in creating cities that are attractive, healthy and prosperous places to live, work and visit. Design/methodology/approach Considers technological developments in information and communications technologies in the short‐ and medium‐term and their application in the urban environment. Findings IT is developing faster than ever and will be a useful tool in the redevelopment of cities. Short‐term developments such as wireless LANs may be unglamorous but have large potential for opening up new areas of opportunities, both in social and business uses. In the mid‐term, these networks will combine with ambient intelligence to make a smart digital air overlay, making every part of a city electronically enabled. The result will be big improvement in public transport and city architecture. Other IT developments will improve health, governance and security. If managed well, future urban society will be happier, less lonely, more prosperous, healthier and more involved in decision making. Originality/value Offers a personal view of the ways in which advances in information technologies can make a positive contribution to urban environments over the next ten to 15 years.