On The Road to Urban Transformation

More than half of the global population now lives in cities, and ICT is leading changes in many aspects of city life, including radical new approaches to urban transportation.

The growth of cities raises a range of social, economic and environmental challenges, putting pressure on infrastructure, natural systems and social structures. However, as the challenges of urbanization intersect with ICT-driven opportunities, solutions emerge with the potential to improve the lives of billions.

“Just as the railway shaped London and highways shaped Los Angeles, ICT has emerged as a transformative force, shaping the form and role of cities around the world,” says Colin Toh, Head of ICT Infrastructure in Transportation.

ICT is emerging as a gateway to civic engagement, enabling citizens to become more involved in local planning decisions, and forcing municipal authorities to think more like service providers. Smart cities – those that embrace the Networked Society and openness – turn to ICT and data-driven approaches that increase their efficiency and boost their sustainability. Smart cities also attract and empower a more creative, innovative business culture.

Ericsson plays an important role in all of these changes, leading transformation through our expertise in mobility, broadband and the cloud.

“In our Intelligent Transport Systems, for example, we connect the transportation system with ICT Infrastructure, monetize with Transport Transaction, and innovate with Traffic Management,” Toh says.

“ICT in transportation is about ecosystems not ego-systems. We partner across industries, with manufacturers, public authorities, private operators and even smaller, nimbler ICT players.

“An autonomous and interconnected transportation ecosystem could greatly reduce all of the current transport-related burdens and create many environmental, social and economic benefits for future generations.”