Boston is ready for its next wave of innovation.
On Dec. 9, the city released a request for information (RFI) calling for new ideas to help it deliver better services while keeping in mind that adding human value is the primary driver for new technology. But one thing the city wants companies to keep in mind: to please keep the sales speak at home and be ready to deliver a fully thought-out plan after speaking with residents and interest groups that have a stake in the city.
“Our call went out to anybody who is interested in creating some sort of product that adds definitive value to the streets of Boston,” said Jackie Lender, Harvard Presidential City of Boston Fellow. “Providing great and exemplary services is something we always strive for.”
Urban designers are key to the projects. Often the technology is there; it’s just a matter of how well it can be incorporated into everyday life and how easily accessible it is for residents.
The city is ready to embrace the private partnerships that can add value to their citizens’ lives. By listing all of the available resources for civic engineers and city planners, Boston has shown it is ready for business.
RFI Request:
Dear Urbanists, Technologists, Entrepreneurs and Visionaries,
Over the last five years, we have met with and worked with many of you to explore and pilot
“smart city” and “internet of things” technologies in Boston. Over that time, this field has
matured as we progress from cool concepts to meaningful in-the-ground projects.
Now, we want to take the next step.
This winter, we are updating our strategy for deploying smart, connected technology in the
public right of way. We are identifying (1) which improved services can be delivered with (2)
what smart technology that is deployed on (3) which City assets, (4) funded by what
business models.
Building this strategy starts by having a conversation with you.
We invite you to respond to this Request for Information. It will help us develop our
strategy and future investment plans. To be very clear, your participation — or lack there
of — in this does not help or hurt your chances of partnering with us in the future.
We value your input, however; and we welcome your response. If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact Jackie Lender, 617 635 0053 or jacqueline.lender@boston.gov.
Sincerely,
The City of Boston
Request for information (RFI)
Smart City Playbook, -The playbook was really getting at an issue that repeatedly arose for city officials.