Tomorrow’s smart cities will require tech-centric job markets in addition to technology and green infrastructure, according to a recent report by real estate technology company ProptechOS.
ProptechOS considered 11 indicators to evaluate each location’s smart city technology readiness, including the availability of free WiFi hotspots, broadband download speeds and airports. It also considered the number — total and per 100,000 people — of IoT companies and public-access electric vehicle charging points, as well as the total number of 5G network towers and green-certified buildings. In addition to infrastructure, the report looked at the number of tech jobs available in each area.
"The cities that will thrive in the future will be the ones best adapted to our new and greener ways of living. By looking at a range of factors, including tech infrastructure, sustainability, and the tech-driven job market, we were able to get a better picture of the U.S. and European cities will be leading the way into a smarter future,” said Erik Wallin, founder and chief ecosystem officer at ProptechOS, in an emailed statement.