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Digitalisation

Challenge Lead: Prof Phil James

 

Digital technology provides both opportunities and challenges to cities.

The canvas of our cities is in constant and rapid flux. This is due to:

  • rapid technological change
  • the need to respond decisively to problems such as climate change

Supporting new modes of service delivery

Digitalisation can support new modes of service delivery. The big-data revolution offers the potential for unprecedented insight into how cities operate.

This could transform how we assess policy and investment decisions. It can also support agile decision making.

Yet, cities are ultimately places where we live. They must reflect on the human scale.

At the heart of the digitalisation challenge is:

  • balancing the needs of individuals
  • ensuring digital inclusion
  • embracing and learning from technical advances
Streetscape of Newcastle upon Tyne by night, with lights from traffic creating a pattern and sense of movement