Podcast: Exploring Sunderland's smart city connectivity credentials

Sunderland’s smart city vision revolves around leveraging digital infrastructure to create a network of networks that benefits its citizens. The primary goal is to ensure that Sunderland becomes an inclusive, connected, and technologically advanced city. This vision emphasises that no one and nowhere should be left behind on this journey.

One of the key priorities in Sunderland’s smart city plan is citizen engagement and digital inclusivity. The city council actively seeks input from residents, businesses, and service users to understand their needs and concerns. Through extensive consultation and communication, they address privacy and data security issues, building trust with the community.

Sunderland’s smart city initiative is marked by collaboration and partnerships. Local and global partners have joined hands to help the city’s vision become a reality. Notable partners include Boldyn Networks, CityFibre and Virgin Media, which assist with the city’s digital infrastructure needs. Microsoft recently joined the list of partners, bringing additional expertise to the project. The city also values its local SME community, partnering with businesses and organisations to promote economic growth and collaboration.

Sunderland University plays a pivotal role in this endeavour. It has a student population of around 30,000 and strives to provide secure, high-quality connectivity for students, staff, and visitors. The university integrates smart city technologies and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions into its programmes, extending this knowledge to various fields, including medical studies, technology, and even esports. The university’s partnerships with local businesses and industries also contribute to research and innovation within the smart city ecosystem.

The city’s digital fabric serves as the foundation for progress in various areas, from sustainability and climate initiatives to promoting the digital economy. The extensive network of LoRaWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) enables energy efficiency, asset tracking, and environmental monitoring, contributing to sustainability and decarbonisation. Moreover, IoT applications, such as smart bins, enhance the efficiency of city services and reduce the need for constant physical presence, thereby reducing emissions and increasing productivity.

Sunderland’s smart city journey is well established with numerous use cases already demonstrating positive impacts, and their future roadmap is characterised by flexibility and adaptability. The city remains open to new opportunities, driven by the goal of making a real-world impact. As the partnership between the city and the university continues to evolve, the focus shifts toward advancing technology across various sectors, from healthcare and manufacturing to education and tourism.

Sunderland’s commitment to becoming a smart city is underpinned by inclusivity, security, and a strong foundation of partnerships. The city and the university work in unison to create a connected, technologically advanced ecosystem that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Sunderland’s journey towards becoming a smart city is marked by its dedication to the well-being of its community, and it serves as an inspiring example for cities aspiring to build a more connected and inclusive future.

Liz St. Louis, Director of Smart Cities and Enabling Services at Sunderland City Council, is leading the charge in implementing smart city initiatives. With a background in local government transformation and digital roles, she’s dedicated to making Sunderland a great place to live, work, and play.

David Conway, Director of Technical Services at Sunderland University, oversees technical services and is responsible for the university’s smart campus transformation. With over 30 years of experience in the education sector, David is passionate about providing equal access to education and fostering innovation within the university.