SMART CITIES
Data driven , a smart city uses networks , sensors and analytics to make itself more efficient , productive and habitable .
WRITTEN BY : BECCI KNOWLES
NEOM is a new , smart city-state being built in Saudi Arabia . Named from a combination of the Greek word for “ new ” and the Arabic term for “ future ”, it positions itself as a " blueprint for tomorrow in which humanity progresses without compromise to the health of the planet ". The initiative emerged from Saudi Vision 2030 , a plan that seeks to reduce Saudi Arabia ' s dependence on oil , diversify its economy , and develop public service sectors .
NEOM will include hyperconnected , smart or what it calls “ cognitive ” towns and cities , ports and enterprise zones , research centres , sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations . The project is planned to be totally powered by renewable energy sources .
NEOM describes itself as “ a hub for innovation ”, where entrepreneurs , business leaders and companies will come to research , incubate and commercialise new technologies and enterprises in a groundbreaking way ”. It adds that residents will embody an “ international ethos and embrace a culture of exploration , risk-taking and diversity - all supported by a progressive law compatible with international norms and conducive to economic growth .” The project has won both criticism and praise , but as a sustainabilitymag . com 73