New York City has many monikers. It’s called the “Big Apple” and the “City That Never Sleeps.” It’s been written about, captured in more movies than you can count, and is the focus of many songs over the decades.
According to a recent report by Juniper Research, Smart Cities – What’s In It For Citizens, New York might very well earn another nickname, “The Smart Metropolis.”
So, What is it All About?
Making a city “smart” takes a lot more than, say, creating a smart home or office. Juniper Research rated the cities it reviewed across four categories: mobility, healthcare, public safety, and productivity. These ratings included current capabilities, published strategies, and future goals. In each, New York ranked in the top 10:
- Mobility – 4th
- Healthcare – 6th
- Public safety – 2nd
- Productivity – 6th
Overall, New York ranked highest among North American cities, and #3 in consolidated performance across the four categories. That might not mean much to average citizens, until you look at some of the programs that are in place.
The report showcased New York’s use of HunchLab, software that uses “historical crime data, terrain modeling, as well as time and weather information” to predict and respond to crime. After a decrease in violent crime rates thanks to this approach, the New York Fire Department got in on the act, using a data-driven approach to target buildings that were more vulnerable to fire damage.
Evolving at the Macro and Micro Levels
Developments in the city are happening at all levels. From an infrastructure perspective, the Mayor’s Office of Technology and Innovation is driving a considerable overhaul, reaching everything from lighting efficiency, smart water meters, and even internet-connected trash cans to schedule more efficient pickups.
At the more local level, initiatives are underway to bring computer and internet access to low-income areas, as well as projects intended to make technology and knowledge available to a wider variety of New York’s citizens.
With our office in New York, we’re excited about the progress that the city is making and plan to be there to support businesses and citizens located in the city.
Contact us if you have any questions about our services as we do our part to put New York on the map yet again for being a world-leading smart city.
