The search for sustainability, competitiveness and productivity has been going on for ten years. In Bogotá, smart city policy has been explicitly developed over the past decade and although each government has given it different names and priorities, it has been a permanent program in development plans.
The first focus was on reducing the digital divide (Alcaldía Mayor de Bogotá, 2008) linked to the conditions of disadvantage and inequality of urban populations. In the 2008-2011 Development Plan, the Smart City ICT Digital Government and Knowledge and Entrepreneurship Society program was implemented to promote universal access, use and societal acceptance of information technologies and communications.
Subsequently, the 2012–2015 Development Plan proposed the generalization and implementation of online government strategies, and in 2016–2019 it was proposed to extend the actions to other aspects of the smart city, such as mobility, in addition to access and use of ICT. and sustainable public services.
Now, in the Development Plan 2020-2024, reference is made to strategic projects of smart specialization that will shape Bogotá as a sustainable urban region and have a vision for urban distribution logistics platforms, intelligent transportation systems and the development of innovative solutions to improve, among others, the water system of the Bogotá River as well Energy efficiency and sustainable building programs.
Flexibility and opportunities in Bogotá. Frazao Studio Latino (Getty Images)
An award for consistent work
This search for different ways to build a smart city has recently received international recognition: Bogotá has been chosen to host the new edition of Smart City Expo Abroads, the leading international event dedicated to smart cities, which will be the focus of discussion and learning on the subject has become .
Bogotá has been selected to be part of the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC), a world-class event that brings together business leaders, governments and the most innovative organizations to lead cities towards a brighter future.
The capital of Colombia caught the attention of FIRA Barcelona International, organizer and initiator of the Smart City Expo World Congress, for its commitment to improving the quality of life of its citizens, placing it alongside cities like Shanghai, Doha and Curitiba that have reckoned with this distinction.
The Smart City Expo World Congress will support Bogotá in its desire to become a benchmark smart city in the Andean region, addressing issues such as public innovation, smart technologies, energy and environment, urban mobility, sustainable areas and economic development.
Bogota, Colombia – November 2020: The Avenida El Dorado in Bogota seen on a dark night. Filippo Manaresi (Getty Images)
a necessary conversation
This world-leading Smart Cities event celebrates its Colombian edition in Bogotá May 31 to June 2, 2023. It will bring together in Corferias government and institutional representatives at the national and international levels, as well as academic and scientific leaders in alliance with small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as representatives of the various economic sectors of the country and the region of development. and innovation.
Those attending the SCEWC can attend the Congress and the SCE Bogotá 2023 program “Cities that care, Cities that innovate”, with more than 70 national and international speakers; Learn about technological developments and innovative solutions that are making life easier for citizens, and enjoy networking and relationship areas.
For three days we will reflect, discuss and continue to develop smart solutions that improve citizens’ quality of life and promote the development of a more inclusive and sustainable society.