Exeter joins UK's smartest cities

Exeter will join other leading UK cities at a key event to discuss how data and technology can help create sustainable development and improve quality of life.

Exeter City Futures will take part in a Smart Cities event in Cambridge this week alongside Bristol, York, Oxford, Milton Keynes, Peterborough and Greenwich.

Smart Cities use data and technology to create efficiencies, improve sustainability, create economic development and enhance the lives of people living and working in the city.

Exeter City Futures was formally adopted as part of Exeter City Council’s transformation plans for the city earlier this year.

It is tasked with tackling the problems of urbanisation in ways that reduce social inequality and boost economic growth.

Programme Director Dr Liz O’Driscoll said: “I think it’s great that Exeter is being offered a seat at these types of events.

“It shows that we are really beginning to be noticed as a city that is looking to address the urban/smart city challenges. To be as a group with these other cities, many of whom are already well recognised nationally as leading in this area, is a major step.”