A new report by Arup and the Future Cities Catapult estimates a £200billion global market for products and services that improve the way cities are planned and operated through integration.
The study “How can the UK innovate for the world’s cities?” describes , how the UK is well positioned to meet a growing global market for services and products that address urban challenges (population growth, resource efficiency, resilience, demographic change and disease) and seize opportunities (economies of scale, political autonomy, prosperity and civic engagement).
The study highlights how the UK, one of the world’s most urbanised countries, is producing highly innovative urban solutions and services. From products such as CityMapper, a smartphone app that improves urban mobility, and a wireless electric bus technology, to services such as urban green infrastructure design and innovative financing mechanisms to support urban regeneration. These solutions have emerged from the UK’s ecosystem of business, government and academic capabilities.
Arup developed the report with the Future Cities Catapult to identify the importance of a total city systems approach by looking at spatial, physical, digital, commercial and social capabilities required for urban development.