The event went well and I left with some interesting thoughts. It is really refreshing to witness the start of what I believe will be a paradigm shift in many aspects of everyday life. The move from purchase of the asset to purchase of the use was very interesting an I do feel that the benefits of this direction is now starting to reach technology facilitators and system integrators. This is key. If this model is to gain traction and not fail or fall short due to development within silos then a system integration approach is essential. Smart Cities are not just about eco-driven buildings and smart metering for energy albeit that these are very important. With the prospect of a totally new development in London where Cross Rail meets HS2 there is the prospect of a fully integrated transport system emerging. Why not totally reclaim the living space. No planning within the zone for roads......eject the hydrocarbon automotive solution in favour of electric vehicles be they autonomous or otherwise. These could be cars, or light railways (trams-pods). If we are going to do this then lets really do this. Why would anyone really want the car that sits in a garage for 80% of the time losing money through depreciation when what is really needed is the facility to purchase a journey...when we wish, to where we wish. Here we have easy access to a superb rail network and one of the world's major airport. Rail journey time to Birmingham planned to be 38 minutes (amazing). Takes longer than that to drive 5 miles across London in the rush hour. We face a brave new frontier and every now and then.....circumstances come together to catapult our economy, business, and social systems into the future. Lets hope in the first instance that our politicians do not fail to see the opportunity that is in front of them and stifle what I believe could be a quantum leap forward through political rhetoric and procrastination.
