ICTC's First in a Series of Smart Cities Roundtable Discussions Focusses on Physical and Digital Infrastructure, Security and Privacy, Regulation, and Talent Readiness

Ottawa, February 19, 2020 — The first in a series of five Smart City Policy Roundtables was hosted by Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) in November 2019, engaging 30 thought leaders from across Canada, with areas of expertise in physical and digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and privacy, regulation, and talent readiness.

As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, more than 55% of the global population currently lives in urban centres, which account for over 80% of global GDP. Canadian cities mirror this trend. Harnessing digital technologies will be critical for creating more livable, sustainable and economically viable urban spaces.

Some of the key insights from the ICTC Infrastructure Roundtable discussions included the following:

• the need for developing eco-friendly and carbon-neutral infrastructure;
• prioritizing the integration of clean-technology innovations with existing physical infrastructure;
• the inseparability of physical and digital infrastructure, and its reliance on ubiquitous, low-cost sensors that require standards to ensure quality and interoperability.

Other discussions focussed on codes of conduct for data collection and usage, who should own collected data, responsibility for smart infrastructure regulation, and the importance of cybersecurity infrastructure and privacy.

The next ICTC roundtable will take place in the spring of 2020 and will focus on smart mobility.

As a not-for-profit, national center of expertise, ICTC strengthens Canada’s digital advantage in a global economy. Through trusted research, practical policy advice, and creative capacity-building programs, ICTC fosters globally competitive Canadian industries enabled by innovative and diverse digital talent. In partnership with a vast network of industry leaders, academic partners, and policy makers from across Canada, ICTC has empowered a robust and inclusive digital economy for over 25 years.

For media inquiries, interview requests, or further information about the Infrastructure Roundtable, please contact Paul Stastny at [email protected] or 403.351.0138 Ext. 823.

A copy of the smart cities infrastructure roundtable brief can be accessed here.