There is a need to determine which technological innovation strategies will work best in a given context. The reality is that many of these technological innovations are still in early stages, facing several unknowns. But one thing is clear – whatever technological innovation is introduced, there should be a significant thought as to whether it will create a new set of business models or simply enhance existing ones. Therefore, the following article will discuss some of the key areas that require careful consideration:
Among these various technological solutions, Smart Cities and Internet of Things are likely of greatest importance. However, these innovative initiatives can also benefit from overall unified plans, when it comes to delineating technological solutions which take into account both existing paradigms and future needs. The Smart City concept is a powerful illustration of this idea. When these technological solutions are viewed as part of a larger system, they become capable of providing the solutions for all aspects of a city’s life.
On the other hand, an Internet of Things initiative can help realize the full benefits of its technological innovations. Aspects like wearables, diagnostics, energy management, and real-time information sharing are only possible when the entire infrastructure is functioning in perfect harmony. Only then can such solutions to be brought to bear on the city’s various issues. But even when technological innovations are deployed en masse, it is not advisable to think that the same will automatically work out for the better. It is important to build on tried and tested techniques before putting everything into use. This will ensure that the benefits derived out of technological innovations can be effectively harnessed.
But how do we determine what technological solutions will work best? This can be a tricky proposition, because on one hand there is a pressing need to find innovative answers to pressing issues. On the other hand, there is also a risk that adopting too many technological solutions could lead to unintended consequences. That is why wise decision-making needs to be coupled with careful monitoring. The best way to do this is to coordinate with others who have an interest in the same technological innovation.
For instance, some city officials may wish to apply a supply-side approach in order to tackle the problem of air pollution. One solution could be to implement a carbon-based scrubbing system. In this case, a series of filters would be installed in all domestic and industrial buildings to trap polluting elements and convert them into usable forms. Another area where technological solutions can be applied is in water purification. Efforts can be made to make city water as toxin free as possible by implementing a variety of processes.
When thinking about the potential applications of a technological innovation, it is also important to consider its feasibility. It is often said, “An idea whose time has come is worth waiting for”. By that it is meant that a new technological innovation which has been thoroughly tested and tried in a number of real-life scenarios will almost certainly be a success. The same thing goes for new technologies. Once implemented, there is a good chance that it will be tried successfully in the future.
There are risks involved in implementing these solutions. A few years ago, Google attempted to launch a service called Google Wave, which involved providing search results based on the content of websites that were already available on the internet. Though this service did not go very well, the idea eventually evolved into the popular Google Maps initiative. If successful, this innovative approach could become a boon for those who are trying to make their locations more accessible. On the other hand, technological innovations are never 100% sure as no matter how well they are tried, unforeseen problems always crop up.
City leaders should remain open minded when it comes to new technological solutions. While experts debate the value of such solutions, it is clear that they can make cities much more accessible. With so many people living in small apartments, access to transportation is a major problem. By providing for the transportation needs of its citizens, the city can effectively alleviate this problem and create more space in the city for residents.