I’ve found myself reflecting on the role of technology more these days. It is definitely a means, not an end, in my world, and it is not going away, so let’s embrace it and use it creatively and consciously to help us meet our most important needs, resilience being one of them.
Some thoughts on technology and city resilience in this article, excerpts below:
Secondly, what is the role of technology in building city resilience? There are several layers to this answer. One of the twelve goals identified in the framework is “Reliable Communications and Transport”. A primary indicator for the level of achievement of this goal is a city’s information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure. The framework focuses not just on the availability of ICT infrastructure, but more importantly on its effectiveness, reliability, and accessibility to all, including the most vulnerable. Digital technology is also an enabler for achieving other goals, including comprehensive security, sustainable
economy, and effective leadership and management. Furthermore, technology (from IoT to big data) can help us better assess a city’s resilience in an evidence based way allowing city actors to understand and address vulnerabilities in current systems.The city of Rotterdam provides an interesting example of how technology can underpin a city’s resilience strategy. One of the objectives of Rotterdam’s resilience strategy is becoming a “cyber port city”. This includes promoting digital safety and investing in cyber security to ensure that it continues to be an attractive international business and trade hub. In terms of tangible projects, Rotterdam has developed “Inspiration Maps” which pool and mine GIS data to provide a digital footprint of what lies underground. This facilitates more efficient and effective design and decision making around public space and infrastructure in the city.