Concept
and strategy are the foundations of digital city developments
City
leaders perceive digital city initiatives with positive attitude and openness.
According to Ipsos Plc.’s research performed upon T-Systems Hungary’s
assignment in settlements with more than 20,000 residents - it is a valid and
actual task to align info-communication solutions to existing urban development
plans.
It is the key objective of the Digital Hungary program to make super high speed internet available in all Hungarian households
by 2018 which is two years earlier than the deadline set out in the European Union’s Digital Agenda. This network development
objective creates an opportunity for municipalities to establish city-level digital services that, besides offering direct
economic advantages, also improve the comfort of citizens. Last month Ipsos surveyed which factors support and hinder the
implementation of digital city services. The research pointed out that the majority of Hungarian cities have started some
kind of info-communication development, mainly in the area of public transportation, public area surveillance or intelligent
community services. Further investments and their elevation to system-level have been hindered by lack of resources, however,
in the period between 2014-2020 EU resources will be available for this purpose.
The
existence of a conceptional vision is a key prerequisite for the success of
these developments and the long-term return of investments. “In our vision
digital cities are uniform concepts both at basic and system-level where
seemingly remote elements support each other” - pointed out Tibor Rékasi,
T-Systems Hungary’s CEO. “Our industry is responsible for calling attention to
the underlying opportunities of the digital city concept and to implement
developments in partnership with municipalities with which cities will not only
be more livable but more sustainable as well” - said the Chief Executive
Officer.
The
Ipsos research threw light upon the fact that the already operating and well
known T-City solutions and services are exemplary for other settlements as
well. The City Card is a good example for this integrated vision as the card
can not only be used as an entry card to schools or social spaces but the
citizens of Szolnok can also use it as public transportation tickets.
“The
research made it clear that some cities do not have dedicated organizational
units to prepare for the development of info-communication and community
services although it would be worth creating expert teams for this purpose.
Such professional communities would be capable to assess the actual needs of
the given city’s community and prepare a long-term digital development strategy
for the municipality’s decision-makers. This is further supported by the fact
that the relevant EU resources will be available soon“ - added Tibor Rékasi.
In order to implement the above vision T-Systems Hungary makes available the digital city base-system which is able to manage
existing and planned developments together, customized to the individual needs of the respective city. Thus city leaders can
more effectively manage settlements and the joint operation of services provide better return of the investment and more focused
digital services.
For more information please visit the company's digital city website on
http://www.t-systems.hu/digitalisvaros
Informations
