Can technology be used to create regeneration in our communities?

The Urban Innovation Centre was created to help businesses, academics and city leaders to discuss the regeneration of cities to make them future ready.

We have just returned from a presentation there hosted by Nicole Crockett, CEO of The Building Exploratory, and Karen Elmes, Lifelong Learning Manager, who actively encourage people to participate in change at both local and regional levels.

Having worked within local communities, as town team chair, developing high street regeneration projects such as pop ups and local pocket parks, we had to engage with local community at all levels and times during the process. It is long and hard work, and takes a good two years to truly get cut through to the masses in a community.

It was interesting to hear how digital or new technologies were yet to truly be used to share and gather information.

Traditional methods of gathering data from local residents and community engagement sessions are still very hands on. This works perfectly well but raises two questions which, when answered, could better help us understand the needs of the community in our urban landscape.

Can we use technology to gather and analyse data more effectively?
Can we use modern devices to engage all people in a community? And find the advocates who are willing to share and engage even more people for the good of the community?

The answer to both is yes but, as yet, no one system has been truly utilized which captures the imagination of all communities, and organisations.

The Island is on the case!