Smart Summit London has over 150 speakers signed up to discuss the impact of IoT on Cities, Homes, Utilities, Insurance, Retail and Connectivity.
One of this year’s Smart City speakers, Dr Barbara Mohlendick, Director of the Initiative “SmartCity Cologne” and Coordinator for Climate Protection, City of Cologne, Germany.
Barbara, who will be discussing ‘The Role of the Smart City in Addressing Climate Change’ on Tuesday 19th of September at Olympia Conference Centre, took some time to complete a speaker Q&A:
Please outline your role in smart city developments?
I am director of SmartCityCologne and Coordinator of Climate mitigation in Cologne.
What are your key highlights of advanced urban living?
Cologne introduces smart mobility by providing and promoting E-Mobility, smart parking, cycling and public transport. Cologne offers a variety of transport modes at mobility station. Cologne promotes open Data in order to activate the IT Community to develop smart Apps and services for better life quality in Cologne.
What do you consider to be the best ways to involve citizens in smart city developments?
Cocreation is important for real participation. That means involving citizens from the beginning on of the projects. Cologne also opens part of the budget every year for the citizens to vote for measures to be financed with that participatory budget. It is important to offer digital and offline possibilities to participate. Sometimes even the direct contact is smart: our Mayor visits all nine districts and speaks to the citizens in order to understand and deal with their needs.
While citizen data is essential for shaping future city services, what are your thoughts on how and when it should be used?
Germany has a tradition to protect the privacy of their citizens. Cologne tries to deliver useful data for transport, energy and environmental quality which help to improve the city service.
How do you think information-sharing should be encouraged across departments and verticals, to foster collaborative planning?
The City of Cologne is using several sharing platforms in order to share information with other departments and other cities. Information sharing is key for a successful company/organisation.
How is technology developing to support vehicles and transport of the future?
Cologne uses parking sensors and collects mobility data in order to manage transport efficiently.
How is smart technology addressing climate change concerns?
Smart technology is key for improving the CO2 emissions. Technologies support energy sufficiency.
Discussing the funding issues – which services are more likely to receive funding and which are seen as “nice to have”?
The services promoting energy efficiency and clean mobility are important.
How far will automation go in the smart city?
Automation will optimise safety and security in the city. Human being will take the decisions even in the future. Lots of legal issues have to be solved before automation advances more.
Where do opportunities lie for future city developments?
The integrated holistic vision and project development optimising the smartcity in different areas and promoting life quality in the city.
About Smart Summit London
Smart Summit is a 2 day conference and exhibition covering the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem and its impact on the digital society.
Now in its 3rd year, the event features Europe's leading Smart Home Summit and a further 5 tracks all designed to compliment each other.
With over 180 visionary speakers, gain a unique insight from industry heavyweights and hear case study examples from major contributors.
Make sure you are present in London on the 19th and 20th September for THE Smart IoT event of 2017.
