Smart society, part 2: how to strengthen our sense of community?
We read or hear it every day: the old political recipes no longer work for today's divided society. So how do we deliver a message of connection? How do we develop a long-term vision that reaches beyond the next elections? In the second part of ‘Smart Society’, we try to identify some relevant trends and technologies, so that 'connection' does not become a hollow concept.
We read or hear it every day: the old political recipes no longer work for today's divided society. So how do we deliver a message of connection? How do we develop a long-term vision that reaches beyond the next elections? In the second part of ‘Smart Society’, we try to identify some relevant trends and technologies, so that 'connection' does not become a hollow concept.
We read or hear it every day: the old political recipes no longer work for today's divided society. So how do we deliver a message of connection? How do we develop a long-term vision that reaches beyond the next elections? In the second part of ‘Smart Society’, we try to identify some relevant trends and technologies, so that 'connection' does not become a hollow concept.
What are we seeing? More division, and more radical. Today's critical citizen is outspoken, and the (social) media reinforce these divisions, be they factual or fictional. One thing is clear: the political waters are too deep for solutions across party lines. Therefore, we will look increasingly to the local authorities, which have the strongest connection with the citizen. This will be the support base to make important choices, to reach more people and to build society effectively.
What can we conclude from these few examples?
Today, enquiries among various stakeholders such as supra-local government and knowledge institutions, give us negative or wait-and-see feedback. Policymakers are often hesitant and react via their own existing experiences and recipes... and therefore often cannot see the possibilities and feasibility of these new trends and concepts in practice. Keeping an open mind is an essential part of being able to embrace a new trend or concept.
Belgium and more specifically Flanders, has a specific context when it comes to the trends, technologies, changes and challenges outlined above. The 3rd part of this article, "Smart Society", will map this specific context before we proceed to our (future) vision.
Latest insights & stories
AI will represent 10% of global IT spending by 2028: here's where to invest
As AI accelerates towards becoming 10% of global IT spending by 2028, the challenge lies in choosing the right areas for investment. Explore our insights on how to direct your AI budget towards high-impact, scalable projects that generate measurable business value. Unlock the strategies to turn potential into performance.
New wave flume at Hydraulic Laboratory opens doors for innovative coastal safety and climate impact research
The Hydraulic Engineering Laboratory (WL) of the Department of Mobility and Public Works (MOW) unveiled its new, larger, and modern wave flume. This research facility is designed to simulate complex wave and water movements in a controlled environment. The festive inauguration took place at the WL headquarters on Berchemlei in Antwerp. The new wave flume was built with the support of the Program for Innovative Public Procurement (PIO) and the Flemish Agency for Maritime Services and Coast (MDK).
Article in Trends: this smart innovation makes the construction sector future-proof
Laurence Gacoin, CEO of C-enery and C-innovation, discusses in an interview with Trends the innovations that the Cordeel Group is working on. Read the full article below.