Smart Cities need HEART Hubs

Description:

Smart city talks often involve ‘shiny technology ideas’. But, rushing to adopt them may be disastrous. How might we avoid the pitfalls? Our Sustainability Center (SAVE) uses a “HEART” centric approach. It puts humans and social impact first; while providing a high tech immersive visualization and decision environment. It uses proven problem-solving processes; and a platform to research, model, plan, and design solutions to complex, interconnected geophysical, economic, and social/cultural challenges.
Though pockets exist, what is missing is a focal point that fuses these ideas. Such a nexus, i.e. a HEART Hub (both digital and physical), will foster the roots of innovation not only in technology, but also socially, economically and culturally. This is the opportunity in Austin and beyond.