Page 71 - U4SSC Simple ways to be smart

In understanding the possibilities for communication about a particular city challenging, cities can
ask questions like:

1 Where is there information about this situation (in a system or people)?

2 What system or stakeholders do we need to get the information to?
3 How do we currently communicate with these systems or stakeholders?

4 Are there more efficient or effective ways to communicate?

5 What needs to be communicated, and how often?
6 Does communication need to be in one direction or in many directions?

To answer these questions cities should consider the new communication capabilities that
technology enables such as communication over distances, real-time communication, the
provision of information that can be consulted asynchronously, such as on a website, and the use
of devices such as sensors and mobile devices. At the time cities should not forget tried and tested
communication approaches such as advertising campaigns and face-to-face consultation with
stakeholders. Cities should choose approaches that are appropriate to their context, resources
and capabilities.

The information that is collected, analysed and shared will enable stakeholders, including city
officials, their partners and city residents, to act differently. This could include changing structures
and processes within the city, new facilities or infrastructure, or changing behaviour. Any such
changes will, in turn, generate new data which can be collected and analysed to develop very
accurate understandings of each situation.

This framework provides cities with a simple, information-systems approach to the capabilities of
smart solutions, and can be used to analyse where smart interventions can be used to bring about
change in response to city challenges.

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