In a report 2023, the Global Future Council on Cities of Tomorrow from World Economic Forum stressed the importance of adopting a systemic approach to address current and future challenges futures of cities in key areas such as climate resilience, digital technologies, urban finance and urban inclusion.
Understanding the interconnections between various aspects of urban life is essential to the success of cities in achieving their goals for both people and planet, the report says.
This systemic approach recognizes the deep interdependencies that exist between various urban elements, such as land, climate, transportation, housing, energy, inequality, health, trade and technology. Decisions made in one of these areas must consider objectives and impacts in other areas, thus underscoring the need for a holistic view in addressing urban challenges.
The use of data as a tool
A fundamental part of this systemic approach involves the effective use of data. Today, cities have more data than ever before to understand and address the interconnected problems they face.
"There is more data than ever to communicate what is happening in cities. The urban data market is deepening. The velocity, scale, diversity and potential of data is growing and growing, and in a post-pandemic context of high economic uncertainty, cities are hungry for data that yields greater situational awareness and personalized insights, informed and actionable decisions, cost savings, effective and efficient use of assets, better relationships with citizens, and sustainable outcomes," the report said.
While some cities, such as Bogotá, Helsinki y Singapore are actively using the data to improve their services, there is a lack of consensus on how cities should effectively collect, analyze and apply this data. In addition, there are growing concerns about the collection and use of personal data by city authorities, highlighting the importance of an ethical and transparent approach to data management, the paper notes.
A guide to the cities of the future
To address these challenges, the Global Future Council report on Cities of Tomorrow provides a guide for municipal authorities, advocates and change agents. This guide proposes a path towards a urban data ecosystem The report highlights the need to develop data policies and capabilities that are adapted to the diverse urban realities around the world.
The report underscores the importance of being open to the purpose of data to achieve multiple urban objectives, address urban data breaches proactively and maintain a connection between data and people.
It also urges companies and institutions that work with cities to support their development as mature customers and to seek more coordinated leadership in the field of urban data.
The report argues that in an increasingly urbanized world, where data and cities are becoming increasingly intertwined, the systemic approach data driven emerges as an indispensable tool for addressing the complex challenges faced by data-driven cities of tomorrow.
Source: World Economic Forum
