NextGen Cities

Technologies for People-centric Urban Development

The debate about urban renewal and planning cities of the future, the Smart Cities, is conducted within the boundaries of governance, infrastructure and technology. However, this debate often ignores the most critical fourth dimension, the people who define the city. Governance Now NextGen Cities Conclave, with focus on Technologies for People-centric Urban Development aims to relocate the debate and take it back to basics that governance, infrastructure and technology are but tools to enable citizens to unlock their potential to create cities of their imagination and need.

It’s estimated that by 2020 almost 60% of India will be living in urban areas. Today there are at least 15 cities in India with a population of 10 million and above. It’s estimated that it will rise to 40 by the year 2020.

In the context of the 100 Smart Cities planned by the Government of India, the draft concept note on Smart City Scheme has very well defined the three pillars as Institutional Infrastructure, Physical Infrastructure and Social Infrastructure. The draft paper also clearly indicates that the center of attention for each of the three pillars is the citizen or the people.

What this means is that the cities of tomorrow should be a mix of smart infrastructure and smart government that can empower people in government, businesses, and the community through innovation to build a more sustainable city across economic, environmental, and social spheres. The initiative assumes more importance as the contribution of urban areas to the India’s GDP has already crossed the 60% mark and is expected to touch 75% by 2031.

The NextGen Cities Conclave aims to explore the socio-psychological aspects of technology-enabled next-generation cities that can empower people in government, businesses and the community to create a more sustainable urban infrastructure across economic, environmental, and social spheres.

Broad Themes

With the world undergoing a massive urbanisation and more and more people moving to cities to build better lives — not just to seek better jobs but also for higher education and advanced innovation in healthcare, science, and energy — the engines of new ideas and businesses that drive breakthroughs and economic growth.

What this means is that the Next Generation of cities or the Smart Cities need to meet the raising expectations of citizens, businesses as well as the civic authorities and government agencies that are constantly being challenged by the growing aspirations. The Governance Now NextGen Cities Conclave will focus on People-Centric Urban Development around the following key areas:

Intelligent Urban Infrastructure		Smart Utilities: Energy and Water Management Solutions		Intelligent & Green Buildings
Intelligent & Integrated Transportation Management System		Public Safety Infrastructure		Smart Economic Infrastructure
Education, Health and Social Services		Waste and Sewage Management System		Efficient Citizen Service Delivery
Adequate Sanitation Facilities