The smart city revolution will depend on local leadership

From autonomous vehicles to automated everything, the pace of smart city technology is accelerating, sparking equal parts enthusiasm and anxiety. Industry and government leaders around the world are looking for guidance as they attempt to navigate the unknowns accompanying these shifts. It turns out that looking inward to the middle of the U.S. may yield some of the greatest insights.

Read More
US Smart City Competitiveness Depends on Platforms, Policy, and Partnerships

When it comes to economic metrics, the United States is used to being ranked #1. In 2016, the US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was $18.6 trillion, seconded only by China at $11.2 trillion followed by Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom. If this premier position brings you comfort, it shouldn’t last long. These numbers measure the past – the production and manufacturing of a tangible product. However, technology moves our world in a different direction. It is less about production and more about the digital economy.

Read More
3 Entrepreneurial Lessons from Tampa's Smart City Quest

America is full of companies who leverage their underdog status to sneak up on bigger competitors. Avis (CAR) even made a tagline out of it, "When you're only No. 2, you try harder." In an era where cities are steadily embracing private sector principles, this same adage applies. And thanks to the leveling effect of technology, the gap between historical winners and smaller, more nimble players is quickly narrowing.

Read More
Singapore Supports its Smart Nation Sensor Platform

When you compare a city-nation like Singapore to the United States, there are a number of differences, but one is fairly obvious: size. Singapore’s population of 5.8 million is roughly equivalent to that of Wisconsin. The total land area (278 square miles) is about the size of Lexington, Kentucky. In addition, Singapore has an inherent lack of natural resources. These two factors are very real constraints.

Read More