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For those who think BRICS is in opposition to the West or the UN’s plan for world control, an article published in BRICS Info will erase all doubt.  The article discusses China’s smart cities as being the model for the Global South to follow.

China’s approach differs from Western models.  “Unlike Western models that emphasise data privacy and public participation, China focuses on rapid, large-scale implementation,” BRICS Info said.

Before we get to the BRICS Info article, a reminder of what a smart city is.  As it is a dystopian concept we have raised in several articles, rather than reiterate what we have published before, we’ll use the example of a proposal that was made 14 years ago.

In 2010, the UK-based think-tank Forum for the Future proposed the concept of “Planned-opolis” as one of four scenarios for the future of cities in a report titled ‘Megacities on the Move’.   As reported by The City Fix at the time, the report was a collaboration between Vodafone, FIA Foundation for the Automobile and Society and EMBARQ, which is now is now part of WRI Ross Centre for Sustainable Cities.

The “Planned-opolis” scenario envisioned a highly controlled and regulated urban environment, where the government has planned and computerised citizens’ lives to ensure efficient use of resources and energy.  The key features include:

• Limited mobility where citizens are restricted in their travel due to high fuel prices, with a “calorie credit card” system rationing the amount of travel allowed.
• Centralised planning where the state has complete control over all aspects of city life, including transportation, energy and food production.
• The city is optimised for efficiency, with a focus on reducing waste and minimising carbon emissions.
• Citizens have limited choices and freedoms, with the state dictating many aspects of daily life.

In the video below, Dave Cullen discusses a concept video for “Planned-opolis” that was published by Forum of the Future in 2010.

The clip above is taken from the end of a 21-minute video published by Dave Cullen (Computing Forever) on 1 December 2022.  You can watch Cullens’ full video on BitChute HERE or Odysee HERE.

BRICS and Smart Cities: Lessons from China’s Model for the Global South

The following are extracts from an article of the same name published by BRICS Info on 4 November 2024.  For ease of reference, we have kept the subheadings the same and largely ignored and excluded the psychobabble which is attempting to market smart cities as something beneficial to individuals in society.  This is because we know smart cities are all about benefitting the global mafia while bringing everyone under their total control.  You can read the full article HERE.

China’s approach to smart city development offers valuable lessons for countries in the Global South. While the approach may differ from Western models, China’s strategic use of technology, system integration, focus on economic growth and partnerships provide a roadmap that can be adapted to developing nations.

China’s focus on economic growth is highly relevant for countries like Indonesia and other Global South nations facing similar challenges. With around 700 million people in the Global South living in extreme poverty, according to the World Bank, economic growth becomes a key driver for smart city initiatives.

Leveraging Technology for Efficiency and Innovation

According to a Deloitte report, smart cities in China contributed around 50% of China’s GDP in 2022. Investment in smart city projects is expected to reach $422 billion by 2025 (IDC).

China has aggressively adopted advanced technologies such as AI, Big Data, IoT, and Cloud Computing to enhance public services, including intelligent transportation systems, public security and energy management. These technologies help address critical urban issues like traffic congestion, flooding and pollution.

Similarly, India’s Smart Cities Mission provides an example of leveraging technology to improve urban services, with initiatives such as IoT for real-time water quality monitoring in Ajmer and smart waste collection in Surat. Unlike Western models that emphasise data privacy and public participation, China focuses on rapid, large-scale implementation – a strategy well-suited for countries seeking quick urban improvements.

System Integration and Collaboration

The impact of integrated systems is evident in the increased efficiency and improved quality of public services (?). For example, Hangzhou’s ‘City Brain’ system has reduced traffic congestion by 15% and improved emergency response times by 50%. In Shanghai, smart grid technology has boosted energy efficiency by 10% and cut carbon emissions by 15%.

A key factor in China’s smart city success is the development of integrated platforms that connect government departments and systems, facilitating data sharing and collaboration. This centralised, top-down approach contrasts with the decentralised models seen in the West. For the Global South, where government structures are often fragmented, adopting similar integration strategies could significantly enhance efficiency and public service effectiveness (?). Examples include Rwanda’s ‘Irembo’ platform, which provides online access to government services, and Kenya’s ‘Nairobi County Command and Control Centre’ for real-time traffic and safety management. Such integration promotes responsive and coordinated governance, which is crucial for developing nations.

[Note: Effectiveness of public services seems to relate to “responsive and coordinated governance,” in other words, centralised control]

Focus on Economic Growth and Inclusivity

The economic benefits of smart cities in China are reflected in citizen satisfaction (?). A survey by McKinsey found that 80% of residents in Chinese smart cities are satisfied with their quality of life, citing improvements in public services such as healthcare, education and transportation. [Note: How reliable is a survey in China? China tightly controls speech and operates a social credit scoring system; citizens are not likely to speak against their government in a survey and risk lowering their score.]

China’s smart city initiatives emphasise fostering economic growth, creating jobs (?) and ensuring development benefits all citizens. Many smart cities in China support specific industrial clusters, such as technology, manufacturing or tourism. For example, Shenzhen has become a global tech hub, attracting investment and creating jobs. Smart cities also support startups and SMEs by providing infrastructure, incubators and financing.

While Western cities prioritise sustainability and public participation, China’s emphasis on social stability [through more control?] and economic growth resonates with many developing nations seeking to uplift their citizens.

Investment and Partnership Strategies

The Smart Cities Mission in India serves as an example of effective investment in smart city projects. Over $7 billion has been allocated to smart city projects across 100 cities, improving access to clean water, sanitation and affordable housing for millions of people. In Rwanda, the ‘Irembo’ platform now provides online access to over 100 government services for more than 90% of the population, while Nairobi’s ‘County Command and Control Centre’ has helped reduce crime and improve emergency response times.

China’s ability to attract private and foreign investment for smart city projects has been a major factor in its success. By adopting innovative financing models and partnering with international investors, China has accelerated infrastructure development and technology transfer. Countries in the Global South can benefit by following similar strategies to advance their smart city projects. Compared to other BRICS countries, China’s proactive engagement in foreign partnerships has allowed for rapid growth, making it a model for nations seeking to expedite smart city development.

[The article then describes smart city case studies from China and smart city initiatives in other regions that have also shown promising results such as in India, Rwanda, Kenya, Columbia and Brazil.]

Conclusion

China is often seen as a leading country in smart city development, although ‘success’ can be interpreted in different ways. Key factors contributing to China’s success include extensive technology deployment, strong data integration and scale and speed of implementation.

China could further enhance its smart city narrative within the BRICS context by sharing its experiences and success stories. Promoting collaboration and best practices would position China as a leader in the smart city agenda for BRICS.

This could involve technology transfer, joint investments and knowledge-sharing initiatives to help other BRICS members adapt China’s smart city strategies. However, challenges may arise due to differing governance structures and political systems among BRICS nations. Addressing these challenges would be essential for successful cooperation and collective progress. 

[Note: Focusing on the “collective” at the expense of the individual, or collectivism, is a communist, socialist or fascist strategy. It is by using collectivism that tyrannical rulers justify the erosion and removal of individual rights and freedoms for the “common good” or the “greater good.”  Ultimately those who do not fit in with the rulers’ “collective” traits, whatever those traits are at any given time, are shamed, ostracised, jailed or eliminated.]

The centralised nature of China’s model may not fit the diverse political structures found in many Global South countries, requiring modifications. Additionally, while data privacy and public participation are mentioned as challenges, a deeper analysis of the potential negative impacts of China’s model is needed – particularly regarding surveillance and civil liberties.

BRICS partnerships present opportunities, such as technology transfer, economic growth and accelerating the achievement of net carbon emission goals, and challenges, including aligning governance frameworks and ensuring equitable benefits. By blending rapid innovation with community-centric policies, developing nations can create effective, inclusive, and sustainable smart cities.

Further reading:

Featured image: Top 10 Smart Cities in China, Earth.org, 19 January 2023