Standards can help governments enhance managing smart cities

AS TECHNOLOGICAL advancements begin to outpace human imagination, governments are playing catch-up to maximise benefits from the potential of new breakthroughs. Emerging technologies are double-edged swords, spurring a variety of new opportunities while adding to the challenges that governments must manage.

This dynamic compels governments to leverage the use of technology to improve citizen welfare, plan the use of resources more efficiently, and address issues such as climate change, disaster management and innovative materials. ASTM International recently participated at an event in Singapore with government officials from throughout the region. From the event, it was clear that there is a high level of movement and interest for innovative technologies and smart infrastructure, two areas strongly supported by technical standards.

This drive to tap innovative technologies to propel progress, whether through infrastructure or digital tools, has served as an impetus for the creation of smart cities. Hence the formation of the Asean Smart Cities Network, a collaborative platform that is seen as being able to "improve the lives of Asean citizens, using technology as an enabler". The network aims for 10 Asean cities to work towards the common goal of smart and sustainable development.