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by Rhoda Wilson
November 05, 2024
from
Expose-News Website
For those who think
BRICS is in opposition to the West or the
UN's
plan for world control, a below article re-published in BRICS-Info
(originally published by
ModernDiplomacy...) will
erase all doubt.
The article discusses China's smart cities as
being the model for the Global South to follow.
China's approach differs from Western models.
"Unlike Western models that emphasize data
privacy and public participation, China focuses on rapid,
large-scale implementation," BRICS Info said.
Before we get to the article,
a reminder of
what a smart city is.
As it is a dystopian concept we have raised
in several
articles, rather than reiterate what we have published before,
we'll use the example of a proposal that was made 14 years ago.
In 2010, the UK-based think-tank
Forum for the Future
proposed the
concept of "Planned-opolis" as
one of four scenarios for the future of cities in a report
titled 'Megacities
on the Move'.
As
reported by
The City Fix at the time, the report was a
collaboration between,
The "Planned-opolis" scenario envisioned a highly
controlled and regulated urban environment, where the government has
planned and computerized citizens' lives to ensure efficient use of
resources and energy.
The key features include:
-
Limited mobility where citizens are
restricted in their travel due to high fuel prices, with a
"calorie credit card" system rationing the amount of travel
allowed.
-
Centralized planning where the state has
complete control over all aspects of city life, including
transportation, energy and food production.
-
The city is optimized for efficiency,
with a focus on reducing waste and minimizing carbon
emissions.
-
Citizens have limited choices and
freedoms, with the state dictating many aspects of daily
life.
In the video below,
Dave Cullen
discusses a
concept video for "Planned-opolis" that was published by
Forum
of the Future in 2010.
The clip above is taken from the end of a
21-minute video published by Dave Cullen (Computing Forever) on 1
December 2022.
You can watch Cullens' full video on BitChute
HERE or
Odysee
HERE.
Lessons from China's Model
for the Global South
from
InfoBrics Website
The following
are extracts from an article of the same name
published in ModernDiplomacy on 1 November 2024.
For ease of
reference, we have kept the subheadings
the same and
largely ignored and excluded
the
psychobabble which is attempting to market smart cities
as something
beneficial to individuals in society.
This
is because we know smart cities
are all about
benefitting the global mafia
while bringing
everyone under their total control.
You can read
the ModernDiplomacy full article
HERE below.
China's approach to smart city development
offers valuable lessons for countries in the Global South.
While the approach may differ from Western
models, China's strategic use of technology, system
integration, focus on economic growth and partnerships provide a
roadmap that can be adapted to developing nations.
China's focus on economic growth is highly
relevant for countries like Indonesia and other Global South
nations facing similar challenges.
With around 700 million people in the Global
South living in extreme poverty, according to the World Bank,
economic growth becomes a key driver for smart city initiatives.
Leveraging Technology for Efficiency
and Innovation
According to a Deloitte report, smart cities
in China contributed around 50% of China's GDP in 2022.
Investment in smart city projects is
expected to reach $422 billion by 2025 (IDC).
China has aggressively adopted advanced
technologies such as AI, Big Data, IoT, and Cloud Computing to
enhance public services, including intelligent transportation
systems, public security and energy management.
These technologies help address critical
urban issues like traffic congestion, flooding and pollution.
Similarly, India's Smart Cities Mission
provides an example of leveraging technology to improve urban
services, with initiatives such as IoT for real-time water
quality monitoring in Ajmer and smart waste collection in Surat.
Unlike Western models that emphasize data
privacy and public participation, China focuses on rapid,
large-scale implementation - a strategy well-suited for
countries seeking quick urban improvements.
System Integration and Collaboration
The impact of integrated systems is evident
in the increased efficiency and improved quality of public
services.
For example, Hangzhou's 'City Brain' system
has reduced traffic congestion by 15% and improved emergency
response times by 50%.
In Shanghai, smart grid technology has
boosted energy efficiency by 10% and cut carbon emissions by
15%.
A key factor in China's smart city success is
the development of integrated platforms that connect government
departments and systems, facilitating data sharing and
collaboration.
This centralized, top-down approach contrasts
with the decentralized models seen in the West.
For the Global South, where government
structures are often fragmented, adopting similar integration
strategies could significantly enhance efficiency and public
service effectiveness.
Examples include Rwanda's 'Irembo' platform,
which provides online access to government services, and Kenya's
'Nairobi County Command and Control Centre' for real-time
traffic and safety management.
Such integration promotes responsive and
coordinated governance, which is crucial for developing nations.
[Note: Effectiveness of public
services seems to relate to "responsive and coordinated
governance," in other words, centralized control]
Focus on Economic Growth and
Inclusivity
The economic benefits of smart cities in
China are reflected in citizen satisfaction.
A survey by McKinsey found that 80% of
residents in Chinese smart cities are satisfied with their
quality of life, citing improvements in public services such as
healthcare, education and transportation.
[Note: How reliable is a survey in
China? China tightly controls speech and operates a social
credit scoring system; citizens are not likely to speak against
their government in a survey and risk lowering their score.]
China's smart city initiatives emphasize
fostering economic growth, creating jobs and ensuring
development benefits all citizens.
Many smart cities in China support specific
industrial clusters, such as technology, manufacturing or
tourism. For example, Shenzhen has become a global tech hub,
attracting investment and creating jobs.
Smart cities also support startups and SMEs
by providing infrastructure, incubators and financing.
While Western cities prioritize
sustainability and public participation, China's emphasis on
social stability [through more control?] and economic growth
resonates with many developing nations seeking to uplift their
citizens.
Investment and Partnership Strategies
The Smart Cities Mission in India serves as
an example of effective investment in smart city projects.
Over $7 billion has been allocated to smart
city projects across 100 cities, improving access to clean
water, sanitation and affordable housing for millions of people.
In Rwanda, the 'Irembo' platform now provides
online access to over 100 government services for more than 90%
of the population, while Nairobi's 'County Command and Control
Centre' has helped reduce crime and improve emergency response
times.
China's ability to attract private and
foreign investment for smart city projects has been a major
factor in its success.
By adopting innovative financing models and
partnering with international investors, China has accelerated
infrastructure development and technology transfer.
Countries in the Global South can benefit by
following similar strategies to advance their smart city
projects.
Compared to other BRICS countries, China's
proactive engagement in foreign partnerships has allowed for
rapid growth, making it a model for nations seeking to expedite
smart city development.
[The article then describes smart city case
studies from China and smart city initiatives in other regions
that have also shown promising results such as in India, Rwanda,
Kenya, Columbia and Brazil.]
Conclusion
China is often seen as a leading country in
smart city development, although 'success' can be interpreted in
different ways.
Key factors contributing to China's success
include extensive technology deployment, strong data integration
and scale and speed of implementation.
China could further enhance its smart city
narrative within the BRICS context by sharing its experiences
and success stories.
Promoting collaboration and best practices
would position China as a leader in the smart city agenda for
BRICS.
This could involve technology transfer, joint
investments and knowledge-sharing initiatives to help other
BRICS members adapt China's smart city strategies.
However, challenges may arise due to
differing governance structures and political systems among
BRICS nations. Addressing these challenges would be essential
for successful cooperation and collective progress.
[Note: Focusing on the "collective" at
the expense of the individual, or
collectivism, is a communist, socialist or fascist strategy.
It is by using collectivism that tyrannical rulers justify the
erosion and removal of individual rights and freedoms for the "common
good" or the "greater
good." Ultimately those who do not fit in with the rulers'
"collective" traits, whatever those traits are at any given
time, are shamed, ostracised, jailed or eliminated.]
The centralized nature of China's model may
not fit the diverse political structures found in many Global
South countries, requiring modifications.
Additionally, while data privacy and public
participation are mentioned as challenges, a deeper analysis of
the potential negative impacts of China's model is needed -
particularly regarding surveillance and civil liberties.
BRICS partnerships present opportunities,
such as technology transfer, economic growth and accelerating
the achievement of net carbon emission goals, and challenges,
including aligning governance frameworks and ensuring equitable
benefits.
By blending rapid innovation with
community-centric policies, developing nations can create
effective, inclusive, and sustainable smart cities.
***
BRICS and Smart Cities
-
Lessons from China's
Model for the Global South -
by Tuhu Nugraha
November 01, 2024
from
ModernDiplomacy Website
China's approach to smart city
development
offers valuable lessons
for countries in the Global
South...
While the approach may differ from Western
models,
China's strategic use of technology, system integration,
focus on economic growth, and partnerships provide a roadmap that
can be adapted to developing nations.
China's emphasis on economic growth is driven by
the need to create jobs, attract investment, and support industrial
clusters, which are vital for maintaining social stability and
fostering development.
This focus is highly relevant for countries like
Indonesia and other Global South nations facing similar challenges.
With around 700 million people in the Global
South living in extreme poverty, according to the World Bank,
economic growth becomes a key driver for smart city initiatives,
aiming to create jobs and improve living conditions.
This article explores key aspects of China's
smart city development and their relevance for the Global South
while acknowledging the importance of local adaptation.
Leveraging
Technology for Efficiency and Innovation
China's smart cities have demonstrated significant economic and
social impacts.
According to a Deloitte report,
smart cities in
China contributed around 50% of China's GDP in 2022.
Investment in
smart city projects is expected to reach $422 billion by 2025 (IDC).
These investments have also created millions of
new jobs, particularly in the technology and innovation sectors.
China has aggressively adopted advanced technologies such as,
AI, Big
Data, IoT, and Cloud Computing,
...to enhance public services, including
intelligent transportation systems, public security, and energy
management.
These technologies help address critical urban
issues like traffic congestion, flooding, and pollution.
Similarly, India's Smart Cities Mission provides an example of
leveraging technology to improve urban services, with initiatives
such as IoT for real-time water quality monitoring in Ajmer and
smart waste collection in Surat.
Unlike Western models that emphasize data privacy
and public participation, China focuses on rapid, large-scale
implementation - a strategy well-suited for countries seeking quick
urban improvements.
System Integration and
Collaboration
The impact of integrated systems is evident in the increased
efficiency and improved quality of public services.
For example, Hangzhou's 'City Brain' system has
reduced traffic congestion by 15% and improved emergency response
times by 50%.
In Shanghai, smart grid technology has boosted
energy efficiency by 10% and cut carbon emissions by 15%.
A key factor in China's smart city success is the development of
integrated platforms that connect government departments and
systems, facilitating data sharing and collaboration.
This centralized, top-down approach contrasts
with the decentralized models seen in the West.
For the Global South, where government structures
are often fragmented, adopting similar integration strategies could
significantly enhance efficiency and public service effectiveness.
Examples include Rwanda's 'Irembo' platform,
which provides online access to government services, and Kenya's
'Nairobi County Command and Control Centre' for real-time traffic
and safety management.
Such integration promotes responsive and
coordinated governance, which is crucial for developing nations.
Focus on Economic Growth and
Inclusivity
The economic benefits of smart cities in China are reflected in
citizen satisfaction.
A survey by McKinsey found that 80% of residents
in Chinese smart cities are satisfied with their quality of life,
citing improvements in public services such as healthcare,
education, and transportation.
This focus on enhancing quality of life through
economic development is particularly relevant for the Global South.
China's smart city initiatives emphasize fostering economic growth,
creating jobs, and ensuring development benefits all citizens. Many
smart cities in China support specific industrial clusters, such as
technology, manufacturing, or tourism.
For example,
Shenzhen has become a global tech hub,
attracting investment and creating jobs.
Smart cities also support startups and SMEs by
providing infrastructure, incubators, and financing.
This focus on local economic development and
improving quality of life is highly relevant for countries like
Indonesia.
While Western cities prioritize sustainability
and public participation, China's emphasis on social stability and
economic growth resonates with many developing nations seeking to
uplift their citizens.
Investment and Partnership
Strategies
The Smart Cities Mission in India serves as an example of effective
investment in smart city projects.
Over $7 billion has been allocated to smart city
projects across 100 cities, improving access to clean water,
sanitation, and affordable housing for millions of people.
In Rwanda, the 'Irembo' platform now provides
online access to over 100 government services for more than 90% of
the population, while Nairobi's 'County Command and Control Centre'
has helped reduce crime and improve emergency response times.
China's ability to attract private and foreign investment for smart
city projects has been a major factor in its success.
By adopting innovative financing models and
partnering with international investors, China has accelerated
infrastructure development and technology transfer.
Countries in the Global South can benefit by
following similar strategies to advance their smart city projects.
Compared to other BRICS countries, China's
proactive engagement in foreign partnerships has allowed for rapid
growth, making it a model for nations seeking to expedite smart city
development.
Relevant Case Studies from China
The success of China's smart city initiatives can be better
understood by examining specific examples.
These case studies highlight how different cities
have leveraged technology to enhance urban management, economic
growth, and sustainability.
By looking at these examples, other nations can
see how adaptable strategies can address their unique urban
challenges and further their development goals.
-
Hangzhou:
The City Brain platform has
contributed to economic growth by enhancing transportation
efficiency and reducing costs associated with traffic
issues.
-
Shenzhen:
The city has implemented an
efficient, environmentally friendly public transportation
system, demonstrating the role smart city technologies can
play in achieving sustainability goals.
-
Shanghai:
Smart grid technology has
increased energy efficiency by 10% and reduced carbon
emissions by 15%, helping the city move towards
sustainability goals.
Conclusion
In addition to China's experience, smart city initiatives in other
regions have also shown promising results:
-
India: The Smart Cities Mission has
allocated over $7 billion for projects that improve
essential services such as water, sanitation, and affordable
housing, benefiting millions of people.
-
Rwanda: The 'Irembo' platform has enabled
over 90% of the population to access government services
online, improving transparency and efficiency.
-
Kenya: The 'Nairobi County Command and
Control Centre' has reduced crime and improved emergency
response times.
-
Colombia: Medellin's smart city
initiatives have reduced crime rates by 80% and improved
access to public transport.
-
Brazil: Rio de Janeiro's early warning
flood system has saved numerous lives by providing timely
alerts. China's Role in Promoting Smart City Development in BRICS
At the 16th
BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia,
from October 22-24, 2024, BRICS announced the addition of 13 new 'partner countries,' including Indonesia.
This expansion marks a significant growth of the
bloc and highlights BRICS' increasing influence on the global stage.
The new 'partner countries' are,
Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Belarus,
Bolivia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Saudi
Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand,
Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Being a BRICS partner, though not a full member,
opens doors for greater collaboration with BRICS nations in various
fields, such as trade and investment, infrastructure development,
political cooperation, and technology transfer.
These collaborations can enhance market access,
encourage infrastructure projects, strengthen coordination on global
issues, and facilitate the exchange of technology and knowledge.
China is often seen as a leading country in smart city development,
although 'success' can be interpreted in different ways.
Key factors contributing to China's success
include extensive technology deployment, strong data integration,
scale and speed of implementation, a focus on innovation, and
improvements in quality of life.
China could further enhance its smart city
narrative within the BRICS context by sharing its experiences and
success stories.
Promoting collaboration and best practices would
position China as a leader in the smart city agenda for BRICS.
This could involve,
technology transfer, joint investments, and
knowledge-sharing initiatives to help other BRICS members adapt
China's smart city strategies.
However, challenges may arise due to differing
governance structures and political systems among BRICS nations.
Addressing these challenges would be essential for successful
cooperation and collective progress.
The Global South, including countries like Indonesia, can learn from
China's experience in areas such as technology adoption, system
integration, and economic growth.
While China's model offers valuable lessons,
adapting these strategies to local contexts is crucial, especially
given data privacy, public participation, and sustainability
concerns.
Additionally, the centralized nature of China's model may not fit
the diverse political structures found in many Global South
countries, requiring modifications.
Moreover, while data privacy and public
participation are mentioned as challenges, a deeper analysis of the
potential negative impacts of China's model is needed - particularly
regarding surveillance and civil liberties.
Governments in the Global South that operate democratic systems must
understand the boundaries related to privacy and mitigate potential
social costs.
Transparency in public communication is also
necessary to reduce potential conflicts.
The solutions for these partnerships are
explained below, such as joint technology development,
capacity-building initiatives, and infrastructure co-investments.
These partnerships present opportunities, such as technology
transfer, economic growth, and accelerating the achievement of net
carbon emission goals, and challenges, including aligning governance
frameworks and ensuring equitable benefits.
By blending rapid innovation with
community-centric policies, developing nations can create effective,
inclusive, and sustainable smart cities.
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