El próximo jueves 6 de octubre participaremos en la sesión "Scaling-up solutions for cities: 5G, Internet of Things and standardization" del "Digital Forum meeting" de Eurocities.

A network of sensors connected by 5G that generates and exchanges data through platform solutions, is the local expression of the Internet of Things (IoT). The increased deployment of sensors in cities are an important development in the realisation of smart cities than contribute to the goals of the Green Deal.

IoT is a principal stimulator for the development of new services and the optimisation of existing ones, while it also provides essential data to inform policy developments. It acts as an enabler for a range of  smart city solutions, and goes hand in hand with innovation driven by pilots and proof of concepts in cities that involve multiple stakeholders.

The European Digital Decade recognises the potential of connected devices and granular data collection. It emphasises the importance for European connectivity by setting targets for the roll-out of 5G, the use of big data and the digitalisation of public services. As such, the path to a digital decade offers momentum for the digital transformation of local administrations.

What are the use cases of 5G and the Internet of Things in our cities of tomorrow and how do we scale innovative efforts driven by this technology?

Since its opening in April this year, Riga’s Digital Agency has been taking a head start on the city’s digitalisation. Working in smart city clusters, the Agency has produced proof of concepts and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) involving 5G and sensor data and validated them in a range of pilots. Their added value is undisputed, but orchestrating domain driven initiatives in a coordinated framework to realise upscaling is challenging.

Working in a triple-helix setup with (local) businesses and the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, the city of Madrid operates an innovation lab to develop and test a comprehensive city IoT network. Following a lab setup, deliverables will be implemented in a designated campus area and finally in larger areas in the city. Building on the public private partnership, the focus is to develop a common infrastructure with special attention to interoperability, supporting the connection and upscaling of data driven smart city initiatives. It may form a standard that provides a useful tool for other European cities.

Objective of the meeting

• Learn from cities activities on 5G, Internet of Things and interoperability.
• Understand challenges related to upscaling new technologies.

Expected outcomes

•  Use cases of 5G and IoT that contribute to more sustainable cities.
•  Broader collaboration on the validation of IoT standards for cities, developed by the City of Madrid?

Format
Moderation:

• Manuel Sierra Castañer, Director of ETSI Telecomunicación at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

Speakers:

• Edgars Klētnieks, Head of Product, Riga Digital Agency, Riga
• Fernando Alvarez, Deputy Director of Digital Transformation, Digital Office, Madrid
• Asunción Santamaría, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid

Agenda

10:00 – 10:05 Welcome
10:05 – 10:20 Riga: From piloting to a coordinated framework
10:20 – 10:35 Madrid Lab: 5G & IoT standardisation
10:35 – 10:55 Reflections and discussion
10:55 – 11:00 Closing