University News Last updated 07 March
Birmingham City University (BCU) is teaming up with South Korean industries and researchers to explore ways of using technology to help Birmingham become a smarter and healthier city.
Funded by a grant of £179,982 from the British Council, Birmingham City University (BCU) will collaborate with South Korea researchers and their institutes to provide practical solutions to issues faced by communities across the West Midlands.
“Our goal is to leverage data-driven technologies and AI to improve health and wellbeing and to drive digital transformation to address real-world challenges facing Birmingham," said Dr Muhammad Afzal, a Senior Lecturer in Computing at BCU and the project lead.
“We want to use technology to better connect residents with decision-makers, so residents can have a greater say on local matters and decision-makers get the best available data.”
South Korea is globally recognised as one of the first countries to successfully implement smart city solutions, with the country producing a national smart city strategy in 2009, which is now in its third iteration.
South Korean officials have previously labelled the plan as the ‘4th Industrial Revolution’, emphasising the importance of data and connected data systems.
The new UK-based project, based at BCU, is focused on offering valuable development opportunities for early-career researchers.
Through field visits and placements with industry leaders, participants will also gain insights into ‘Smart City’ strategies and how they can be applied to local challenges such as traffic, pollution and night-time safety.
Martin Weston, who leads the Strategic Partnerships team at BCU, said the project would involve South Korean companies with a proven track record of developing ‘Smart City’ technology, from automated congestion trackers to motion-activated street lighting.
“The British Council’s International Science Partnerships Fund is designed to enable potential and foster prosperity,” added Weston.
“The University will work with present and new partners through a global platform to develop strategies and technology that will benefit societies around the world.
“Together, we are paving the way for smarter, more connected Birmingham.”