In June we kicked off a new phase of Amsterdam Smart City. Amsterdam Smart City is a collective of citizens, businesses, knowledge institutions and public authorities that are convinced that the changes necessary for the city and region, can only be achieved through collaboration.
More partners than ever are pooling their networks, knowledge and skills. Who are they? We will present some of them one by one. Eurofiber: 'We need a dialogue with citizens on how to use technology.'
What is the main reason for you to join the open collective Amsterdam Smart City?
As a supplier of high quality digital infrastructure, Eurofiber is closely connected to the Amsterdam region. Our fiber optic network offers connectivity for Amsterdam hospitals, schools, metro services, energy stations and the water net, but we are also the basis for smart city applications. Currently, 60 bridges and locks in the region are connected to the Eurofiber network, just as 200 bus stops and security cameras in public space
To us, Amsterdam Smart City is unique because of its broad perspective. Eurofiber believes that citizens, public authorities and businesses should work together to address social, environmental and economic challenges. An open, smart infrastructure provides the solid basis for a Smart Society and empowers Amsterdam to overcome these challenges. Eurofiber will contribute to the construction of this smart infrastructure. We look forward to work together with all the partners for the benefit of the Amsterdam region and its inhabitants.
What is your ambition for the city and the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area?
It is our ambition to come up with new, scalable initiatives that make our capital and region more ‘connected’ but also more sustainable. Eurofiber and the other ASC partners want to make this place a better place to live in. We want to help Amsterdam in becoming a smart city example for The Netherlands, Europe and the world. Not only from a technical point of view, but especially from the perspective of its residents and visitors.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for the city and the region in the future?
Becoming a smart city where life is good for all. There are many challenges, starting with the engagement of all stakeholders in order to develop a really holistic approach. The possibilities with the Internet of Things (IoT) are endless and we expect to have a billion connections on one square kilometre soon. To control this, we need directions, standards and boundaries. But we also need the dialogue with the residents of the region.
How do you see the role of the residents and citizens in your plans?
Residents should be in the center of all smart city developments. We need a dialogue with citizens how to use this technology for the topics we find important. The needs of citizens in the city and region are leading. Therefore Amsterdam Smart City is a great initiative, because the society is the basis. All other parties involved should have the wellbeing of the inhabitants as their number one priority.
Image: Hilda Koenes, Marketing Director Eurofiber.
