Dstl publishes new report on the future of urban living

Today, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) published a new report- The Future of Our Cities- which makes predictions about how we will live in cities in the future.  

The report examines global trends in the development and evolution of cities, with specific analysis on the influence of technology in urban environments, climate and demographic changes, economic integration and infrastructure developments. 

Notably, the report indicates that the proliferation of smart technologies across urban environments presents opportunities to influence city-based activity through cyber and information channels, such as: 

• Digital delivery or ride share apps, could be exploited by both the UK military, and its adversaries, to acquire knowledge of the operational environment and to gain an advantage in urban operations 

• Digital footprints, left by engagement with smart city infrastructure and social media use, will become increasingly important in providing up to date information regarding an urban area’s population 

• Mobile applications used to receive information about a specific city or public service could be leveraged to communicate with local populations- a capability which may be critical in responding to future outbreaks of serious contagious disease 

• Building information management systems and digital twins could be used to map occurrences within buildings and urban spaces in real-time 

Moreover, the report suggests that smart city technologies could be used to directly support a range of UK military activities, including: 

• Rapid Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assessments of physical, social and digital infrastructure 

• Precision targeting of adversaries  

• Distribution of aid 

In sum, the report stresses that identifying and understanding smart city nodes and their effects will be a critical requirement for conducting successful urban operations within smart cities. 

For more information on the cross-sector deployment benefits of smart technologies, take a look at techUK’s SmarterUK programme. Similarly, if you’re interested in the critical role that technology plays in protecting the UK, visit techUK’s Defence programme today!