Smart or digital cities
Smart cities use data and technology to tackle problems ranging from reducing carbon emissions to improving traffic flow. Cities might employ interconnected apps, low-cost sensors or predictive technology to better plan for the future and improve the lives of their residents. Portland has several smart city projects including air quality and traffic safety sensors. You can read more at SmartCityPDX.
What is a testbed and why is it necessary?
A testbed is a place where researchers, city leaders, and the community can see smart city projects in action. Do they live up to their promise? Are there unintended consequences? Is privacy protected? Do they benefit everyone or concentrate services in the hands of a few? It’s essential to answer these questions before projects roll out citywide.
The Digital City Testbed Center (DCTC) focuses on how technology can help make cities "smarter" by improving sustainability, public health, social well-being, and accessibility.
Why PSU?
As a university within a city, we are uniquely positioned to evaluate smart city technology in place. We have faculty expertise in a wide range of disciplines including transportation policy, engineering, urban planning, sustainability, building science, computer science, and entrepreneurship. We have a strong commitment to “Let Knowledge Serve the City” and strong partnerships with the City of Portland, Oregon Health and Science University, Technology Association of Oregon, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Global City Teams Challenge. PSU is also part of a smart city corridor, a network of campuses in the Pacific Northwest where smart city innovations can be tested.