Urban life, diversity, and ICT: a creative cocktail
Having spent considerable time studying the effects of urbanization and how cities are evolving, I think the word that best summarizes big cities is “diversity.”
To me, diversity is truly an intriguing word. It refers to the variety of things such as opinions, colors or styles. It is this very variety that often attracts us to the city. Just sitting down at a café and looking at the street life go past is fascinating.
But the really interesting thing is the connection to creativity. When we meet, interact and connect with each other we share experiences, knowledge and influences. This is where creativity originates, leading to new ideas and new solutions. The diverse social climate that can only be found in cities often stimulates this creativity and powers innovation. Great cities are places where people from any background are welcome to turn energy and ideas into innovations and wealth. Diversity is a key characteristic in cities that fuel innovation. Add the ability of ICT to connect all people, places and things together so that ideas and experiences can be shared wider and quicker, then we are truly in for some exciting times ahead. So next time you sit down at a cafe, have a look around and I am sure you will see the creative potential just walking by…
Read Patrik Cerwall’s Ericsson Business Review article: Redefining Urban Life
Written by Patrik Cerwall
Patrik is a strategic marketing director within Ericsson’s Business Unit Networks. He heads the company's Urban Life program, which focuses on the effects of urbanization and the role of ICT in the economic, social and sustainable growth of cities.
