Challenges of Government Conference 2014: Flourishing Cities

High tech cities: How can we harness digital innovations to inform, engage and influence citizens in their urban futures?

From open data to big data and from smart city sensors to social media streams, cities are finding new ways to collect and harness data, engage their citizens, and inform policies for development. Digital technologies have proven incredibly effective in unlocking the potential for municipal leaders and citizens alike to share information, deliver more efficient services and mobilise communities into action on issues for the public good. But are there downsides to this growing dependence on the digital world? Are cities making themselves vulnerable as they rely more and more heavily on sensors, data analytics and the online engagement of their citizens?

• Charlotte Alldritt, Secretary, RSA City Growth Commission
• Anna Livia Arida, Executive Director, Minha Sampa, Brazil
• David De Roure, Director, Oxford e-Research Centre, University of Oxford (Chair)
• Kate Jackson, Knowledge Expert, McKinsey Center for Government, McKinsey & Company