Amongst other recent Olympic venues, London ranks 4th globally in terms of its digital infrastructure (transport, buildings and IT), according to a new study.
The research, commissioned to coincide with Digital London, a new event taking place at ExCeL, found that while London ranks higher than European rivals Berlin, Paris and Barcelona in terms of digital infrastructure, it is seen as lagging in key areas such as Energy & The Environment and Transport & Logistics.
London’s digital infrastructure in fourth place behind Tokyo, Hong Kong and New York in the eyes of technology experts. London did however beat Paris, Berlin and Barcelona.
The poll, conducted by Aurora Research on behalf of Digital London, shows 54% of respondents believe such digital infrastructure is very important to attracting new businesses to cities and 48% as very important to retaining businesses within a city. Both are key to the UK economic recovery.
Despite the disappointing overall survey ratings for London’s infrastructure compared to other leading digital cities, there were some causes for optimism, with London scoring well in sub-categories such as buildings (where 41% believed London to be a world leader), technology (35% put London ahead of the world) and industry (23%).
The research emphasises the importance of infrastructure such as transport, communications and buildings if London is to stay at the forefront of world business.
Adam Malik, founder of the Digital London event, said: “If London is really to act as the catalyst for future UK growth, it is imperative that we convince the world of our capital’s readiness to deliver for businesses. However the smart buildings, intelligent transportation and sustainable businesses which are critical for this, have yet to be built. Digital London’s online, in-person and on-demand format is the ideal way to share the knowledge which can reclaim London’s position as a first tier Digital City.”
Digital London aims to bring together the best minds in building design, technology and sustainability to assess London’s claim to be a major Digital City.
Some 2,000 attendees will attend the hybrid online/face-to-face event to see over 70 sessions, featuring 20 CEOs and major government spokespeople at the ExCeL International Convention Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
The full findings are listed below:
RESEARCH FINDINGS
Which of the following cities do you consider to be leading the way on digital infrastructure (Rated No. 1)
Tokyo 37%
Hong Kong 17%
New York 15%
London 15%
Toronto 5%
Berlin 4%
Barcelona 3%
Paris 2%
Vienna 1%
Copenhagen 1%
Importance of digital infrastructures to Digital Cities
How important do you consider digital infrastructure to be in terms of attracting business to a city
Not important 1%
Important 45%
Very Important 54%
How important do you consider digital infrastructure to be in terms of retaining business in a city
Not important 4%
Important 47%
Very important 48%
How important do you consider digital infrastructure to be in terms of attracting people to live in a city
Not important 13%
Important 58%
Very important 29%
LONDON’S RELATIVE PERFORMANCE
On Buildings
In relation to other digital cities London is
Behind 31%
Average 60%
Ahead 41%
On Technology and telecommunications
In relation to other digital cities London is
Behind 21%
Average 44%
Ahead 35%
On Industry
In relation to other digital cities London is
Behind 36%
Average 40%
Ahead 23%
On Government Technology
In relation to other digital cities London is
Behind 42%
Average 45%
Ahead 13%
On Transport and logistics
In relation to other digital cities London is
Behind 47%
Average 41%
Ahead 12%
On Energy and Environment
In relation to other digital cities London is
Behind 47%
Average 43%
Ahead 10%
Research conducted February 2012 among 97 IT decision makers by Aurora Research and SurveyMonkey (on behalf of Digital London)
http://www.digitallon.com/