smart city jobs 2022 census
How many smart city jobs will there be in Kenya by the year 2022? We used data from the Smart City Jobs Report to find out. Here’s what we found.
Smart Cities
With smart city platforms and IoT-connected devices, it's easier than ever to collect, store, and analyze data about our surroundings. Data can be used for all sorts of purposes — monitoring traffic and improving transportation systems, managing resources like electricity, water, heat and natural gas more efficiently — so demand for people who know how to interpret data is growing quickly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in computer occupations will grow 19 percent from 2021 to 2022 as businesses continue to use new tools and technologies to make processes more efficient. Smart cities will require hundreds of thousands of tech-savvy workers over the next decade or two; here are some job titles you might see...
In a smart city, every piece of technology is connected and analyzable, providing data that can be used to make important decisions. In an IoT-connected environment, people who understand data collection, storage and analysis will be in high demand as these systems become more widespread. One common job title you might see in a smart city is chief information officer (CIO), which is basically someone who manages all of the network infrastructure for companies or cities. Although it’s typically thought of as just computer networking, CIO work includes overseeing wireless technology like Wi-Fi hotspots; cloud computing platforms for storing data; telecommunication services for sending digital information from one place to another; and even some aspects of computer security.
The Resurgence of Smart Cities
It’s no secret that technology is a major force in shaping our future—we see it all around us. Even today, there are more than 1 billion smartphones on earth, with nearly half of Americans owning one. So why would smart cities be any different? The name itself doesn’t even begin to describe what smart cities are. A more accurate term might be connective cities, or even connected cities. Basically, a smart city is one that uses technology to improve its efficiency and quality of life for citizens, businesses and local government alike. That said, a truly smart city shouldn't just make life easier for people who live in it; it should also make money for those who create it.
If you've never heard of smart cities, or want to know more about them, you're not alone. Many people don't even know what they are, and others believe that they won't make much of a difference in our lives. This couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, it's estimated that by 2030 as many as two-thirds of all human beings will live in cities—and smart technologies can positively affect virtually every aspect of life within them. That includes energy consumption and air quality, traffic management and public safety. It includes municipal services like water treatment, transportation and waste disposal—even garbage collection! And it includes residential services like security systems and home automation systems.
The Benefits of Smart Cities
Research has shown that smart cities have several benefits to their residents, including reduced crime rates and better health. Smart city technology can make it easier for first responders to locate people in distress and provide them with assistance quickly. They can also track down criminals or monitor hazardous materials if they are leaked or released into the air, soil, or water. In addition, traffic management systems ensure that only authorized vehicles are allowed on certain roads at certain times, thereby improving safety and reducing congestion.
Reducing crime is another major benefit that smart cities bring to their residents. Many cities are equipped with surveillance systems to monitor areas like public transit stations, busy intersections, and bus stops. These systems can quickly alert authorities if they detect criminal activity and help them respond more quickly than ever before. Not only does it reduce response times, but smart technology also helps police officers spot criminals who would otherwise go unnoticed because of crowds or traffic conditions in urban areas. After their arrests, video evidence provided by smart cameras can prove or disprove a defendant’s alibi in court.
Key Challenges in Adopting Smart Cities in Africa
Governments in Africa are increasingly adopting smart-city solutions to improve public services, reduce municipal costs and build economic development. The expansion of smart cities is being driven by an explosion in data, advances in technology and changing consumer expectations. However, key challenges remain that could slow down or stop smart-city growth across Africa. Here are a few of them.
A survey conducted by GSMA Intelligence found that 68 percent of Sub-Saharan Africans were aware of smart cities, compared to 66 percent globally. While 33 percent of African respondents considered a smart city’s efficiency in using technology as its primary advantage, 54 percent said that offering better services for residents was a smart city’s primary benefit. Other key advantages included 24-hour electricity and internet access (19 percent), housing and safety (16 percent) and other convenience factors such as waste management, mobility options and business opportunities (11 percent). Several challenges to adopting smart cities remain in Africa, according to GSMA Intelligence research. For example, rural areas in particular may find it difficult to achieve digital connectivity—an important requirement for implementing many smart-city solutions.
Opportunities for Women in Smart Cities
Women are underrepresented in fields like technology, STEM, science and engineering—and that's just not smart. Recent data from Smart City Expo World Congress shows that women make up only 12% of tech-focused employment (p. 23). Women who do work in these fields deserve to have opportunities for career growth and advancement. And so does everyone else! Data suggest a gender pay gap between men and women, with women earning approximately 90 cents on a man’s dollar . So it’s important to have support systems to ensure equal opportunity for those who work in smart cities. In Pakistan, 1 out of 3 girls isn't enrolled in school after 9th grade , making it more difficult for them to get well-paying jobs or succeed academically.
Applying to Become a Citizen Scientist in Africa
There’s a critical shortage of data across many areas in Africa and you can help change that. There are several opportunities to contribute to Global Pulse’s citizen science platform. Apply today and get started on your way to becoming an African Citizen Scientist! You may have access to valuable smart city job opportunities before you know it, smart cities jobs could be yours for just a few hours per week!
Global Pulse is looking for citizen scientists to contribute data to its platform. All you need is an Internet connection and a smart phone and you can become an African Citizen Scientist! They’re working on helping entrepreneurs in Africa take advantage of global trade, but they need your help. Smart cities job opportunities like these will only become more common with time if you contribute now! It’s up to citizen scientists like you to collect data that governments and businesses need every day. Apply today to start doing your part as an African Citizen Scientist!
Get Paid For Helping Create Future Jobs: You could be contributing to making smart cities better in Africa by becoming a citizen scientist with Global Pulse!
