Cities have used data for years, but modern data management should also capture operations and maintenance analytics, which can be compared with predictive analytics and historical data. CIOs can work with utilities, other service providers and community stakeholders to create a master plan using these detailed analyses to not only identify the most suitable applications, but also the systems that support those solutions.

Collaborating to Meet Citizen Demand

While data will always be a focal point in the smart city, engaging with the many stakeholders – citizens, city leadership, utilities, universities, service providers and technology providers – will also be crucial. Early adopters have looked to alternative financing such as public-private partnerships to fund these efforts which provide opportunities for greater engagement. Three-quarters of all survey respondents indicated that public-private partnerships are the most effective financing model for smart city initiatives, reinforcing the importance of stakeholder collaboration.

In some cases, it isn’t always just about a particular CIO’s role, but about innovative collaboration within city leadership. Chula Vista, California, for example, is managing public and private funding through a consortium of partners to plan a Bayfront development project that will incorporate smart technologies. City officials have worked with integrators such as Black & Veatch as well as technology providers and local entities to ensure an innovative and cohesive solution. Simultaneous engagement with all parties at the onset of project development ensures the infrastructure foundation is sound and can scale up for future technology needs.

It is important that CIOs lead the charge in greater stakeholder collaboration regardless of funding mechanism. In San Antonio, Texas, that city’s CIO launched a series of workshops and meetings that brought together non-profit agencies, educational institutions, military groups and local utilities to discuss current challenges and which resources could help the city become more sustainable.

Adding Value to Help Fund Smart Efforts

The CIO can play an integral role in helping stakeholders understand how smart initiatives create opportunities to generate revenue and get buy-in from city leadership. For example, property taxes are an often overlooked source of financing for smart city investments. Only 5 percent of municipalities—compared to nearly a quarter of smart service providers—view this as a viable option. CIOs can bridge this gap by educating both community officials and taxpayers about how an incremental raise in taxes could benefit citizens long-term. Smart city projects make communities more attractive, entice businesses and lead to new residents. The prospect of increased economic development and new revenue streams will drive interest in smart city development from city officials.

CIOs Bring the Smart City Vision to Life

The digital infrastructure at the core of a smart city will need to be planned and executed holistically, with scalability in mind. Smart cities are built in layers that include device and component level technology, a robust communication layer, and the digital application layer. Managing the plethora of components that make up this ecosystem can be overwhelming, but can lead to more efficient and economical systems and improved quality of service from community providers. Some cities are already benefitting from a Chief Innovation Officer who understands and navigates this landscape to plan and manage their smart transformation.

It is easy to get caught up in the numerous technological applications available. CIOs can help bridge gaps between available and field-ready technology to help all parties better understand which solutions are best for the community. However, the collaboration needed to further smart city initiatives does not fall on the CIO alone. Technology vendors, integrators, private sector and community providers such as utilities and government agencies will need to closely collaborate to achieve beneficial and sustainable smart city outcomes.