Councils must embrace smart technology

A new report has argued that councils must become more creative and collaborative in their use of technology in order to plan for future problems.

The New Local Government Network (NLGN) has reported that councils lack the time and expertise to make the most of the new capabilities that technology can bring, arguing that, despite this, councils should be supporting the delivery of networked infrastructure, data analytics and public Wi-Fi.

Tomorrow’s Places recommends several ways in which councils could use data and technology more effectively, including: creating a more open platform for data sharing between councils, the private sector and third sector; working towards the greater personalisation of data ownership in contracts, allowing individuals to have control of what information they create and can share; using hackathons to generate ideas and explore where new data relationships could be beneficial; and engaging with peer networks which allow them to share stories of best practice, but also of failures and mistakes.

The paper also suggests that the government should create a legal framework to ensure that the development of smart markets is not constrained by closed approaches, and ensure that all legislation on data is consistent and removes conflicts that could stifle progress in data sharing.

Abigail Gilbert, researcher at NLGN, said: “As social innovation has met technological innovation, the ‘smart cities’ market has changed. Technologies such as blockchain, sensors, apps and drones have the potential to go beyond glamour and efficiency rationales for new technology, and allow for genuinely radical outcomes: empowering service users, making them more independent; opening up decision making to make it more democratic; and building more connected communities, to reduce isolation. Councils can be in the driving seat, ensuring these benefits are delivered through their collaboration and commissioning practices.”