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A Rural Computing Research Consortium/Quello Center joint event.
Data analytics through smart city technology deployments such as digital twins has the potential to create more liveable, sustainable, and equitable cities. However, internationally, there are many examples of smart city developments that have attracted criticism, concerns, and community backlash over issues such as data ethics, privacy, mass surveillance, commodification, and social control. In response, this talk by Professor Marcus Foth presents DataCare – a model for cities to practically implement a participatory data analytics approach as a way to renew and maintain the social licence to operate smart cities. Grounded in a critical review of the literature, the talk argues that data collection and automation in smart cities must be more citizen and community-oriented.
Informed by smart city developments in Toronto and Barcelona, Prof. Foth will introduce DataCare – a hybrid physical space and digital engagement program for cities to champion data leadership and empower consumers, communities and businesses to actively participate in city analytics. DataCare aims to increase data transparency and access, raise awareness of data ethics, offer data literacy training, engage people in participatory data analytics, and speculate about city data futures.
Marcus Foth is a Professor of Urban Informatics in the School of Design and a Chief Investigator in the QUT Digital Media Research Centre (DMRC), Faculty of Creative Industries, Education, and Social Justice, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. He is a founding member of the More-than-Human Futures research group. Marcus’ research brings together people, place, and technology. His current research foci include: urban media and geoprivacy; data care in smart cities; digital inclusion and participation; blockchain and food supply chains; and sustainability and more-than-human futures.