Page 23 - A U4SSC deliverable - Accelerating city transformation using frontier technologies

and energy consumption in real-time 24/7, and alerting city officials in case of failure or error. It also
helped the city to optimise maintenance planning.
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However, city planners and technology developers are still facing a set of common challenges that have
been impeding smart city progress and preventing IoT solutions from scaling up. In order to continue
to advance IoT applications in cities, such challenges need to be tackled and addressed properly. These
challenges include the following: 50

• Availability of digital infrastructure: Existing infrastructures are often not compatible with the new
infrastructure needed to provide high-speed Internet and wireless broadband services. Without a
standardised digital platform, IoT devices and networks are likely to be developed in silo, and so,
run the risk of being locked in by specific vendors.

• Security and privacy concerns: Having cameras installed on every street corner would raise concerns
among citizens over privacy. The high number of IoT devices also gives potential attackers countless
entry points to carry out cybersecurity incursions. These attackers could target key infrastructure such
as power grids, hospitals and traffic management systems, resulting in devastating consequences.
The amount of personal data being collected is also growing at an alarming rate. A security breach
in a smart city would mean that sensitive information about citizens could be leaked and/or misused
without authority.

• Inclusivity: Most IoT devices require the Internet or some kind of connectivity to function, and yet
only half of the world’s population has access to the Internet while the other half remains offline.
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The advancement of IoT could continue to widen the digital divide and further marginalise those
population groups that do not have access to digital devices or the Internet.

However, the lack of infrastructure and accessibility of the Internet are not the only barriers to inclusive
IoT development. Studies indicate that 90 per cent of the world’s population lives within the reach
of 3G/4G/5G networks and, theoretically, has access to the Internet. Nevertheless, affordability is
a key barrier that is preventing certain population groups from using the Internet, particularly in
developing countries. The high price of data packaging and low-quality connection make the Internet
an unattractive option. More importantly, some people’s lack of capacity and skills to use the Internet
and to take advantage of the digital economy is preventing them from viewing the Internet as an
essential component of digital transformation.
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In order to fully harness the potential of IoT in driving sustainable growth, cities need to carefully plan
their IoT adoption strategies. An open, transparent and human-centric approach will generate the
necessary trust among citizens. Coupled with measures directed at enhancing digital literacy and closing
the digital divide, IoT can contribute significantly to building a connected world in which everyone can
benefit from digital technologies.

Accelerating city transformation using frontier technologies | A U4SSC deliverable 13