Personalisation and shopping in one click: How experts and Muscovites see the capital of the future

The first results of the public discussion on Moscow’s future image as part of the Smart City strategy were reviewed at the 2018 Russian Internet Forum. The discussion was held at the ICT.Moscow industrial aggregator.

The expert community and the public agree that Moscow will become a smart city by 2030 when people and cargo logistics as well as data flow management will reach a new level of quality: the digital format. To do this, it will be necessary to upgrade the transport infrastructure (roads, pedestrian areas and the metro) as well as develop advanced digital infrastructure (5G and IoT networks). A total transition to e-documents will unload the burden on the transport system, because residents will be able to obtain most services online.

“It is important to create urban solutions for all residents: doctors, teachers, or drivers – it doesn’t matter. This must be a single convenient urban environment,” said Alexei Chukarin, Deputy Head of the Moscow Information Technology Department.

The city will monitor the roads with advanced digital infrastructure systems and then add or adjust optimal public transport routes.

The urban environment will become more nature-friendly, personalised and secure, and people will be able to talk to tourists in the same language. Artificial intelligence will analyse city life (people’s behaviour and business processes) and help create convenient conditions for everyone in the megalopolis.

Business will have a renovated tax system due to the introduction of blockchain technology. It will become easier to obtain all documents, and goods and services will be one click away from Muscovites on digital platforms. This will boost competitiveness and open new markets.

The further development of a digital government will make it possible to transfer many aspects of city management to automated modes. Billions of sensors installed all over the city will gather, generate and analyse information about all the processes in Moscow and make city decisions based on it.

In addition, Moscow will be able to stimulate the growth of social capital due to the use of digital technology such as AI, Big Data, blockchain, robotics and 3D printing. The city will create conditions for everyone to reach their goals in education, health, career, family and hobbies.

The 2030 Smart City strategy is being developed on Sergei Sobyanin’s instructions. It will determine goals, tasks and areas for Moscow’s further development as a smart city of the future.