The five pillars

We are committed to making Southwark one of the best-connected boroughs in London by using emerging technology. We aim to understand how technology can be used to empower our residents, businesses, and staff to become digital-first and innovating using the Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart City Technologies to help monitor and improve our borough environment. We will work with partners and learn from best practice.

Connected borough

We want to become one of the most digitally enabled boroughs in London. This ambition is not just about embracing the latest technology or infrastructure; it’s about bridging the digital divide, ensuring that every resident, business, and staff member can harness the benefits of our digital-first approach. This means faster, more reliable internet connections, accessible technology hubs, and programmes that enable digital literacy. Our staff will also be equipped with the tools and skills they need to provide efficient and innovative services to those we serve.

To deliver this, we will:

• provide subsidies or incentives for residents to adopt smart home devices that contribute to the overall smart infrastructure
• continue to facilitate the rollout of 4G and 5G masts across the borough to improve mobile connectivity
• expand connectivity across the borough
• analyse the broadband not-spots across the borough and work with internet service providers to improve connectivity in those areas

IoT: the building blocks of a smart Southwark

We have started our IoT journey. We will continue to deploy a network of interconnected devices and sensors to gather real-time data. This will collect data on a range of services, including:

• housing conditions
• transportation
• public safety
• environmental conditions

This wealth of data will enable us to make informed decisions, reduce operational costs, and respond proactively to community needs.

To deliver this, we will:

• deploy IoT sensors to monitor air quality, noise levels, and other environmental factors
• use data from these sensors to implement targeted measures to improve conditions for residents
• implementing smart infrastructure solutions, such as connected street lighting that adjusts based on real-time data, optimising energy usage and enhancing safety

Collaborating for success

Southwark recognises that we can achieve more by working together. We will forge partnerships with the private sector, local universities, and neighbouring boroughs as well as the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI). These partnerships will enable the exchange of knowledge, resources, and innovative ideas. Through collaboration, we will overcome challenges and accelerate innovation through funded trials and pilots.

To deliver this, we will:

• collaborate with technology companies for the deployment of smart infrastructure
• establish partnerships with educational institutions to promote research and development in the field of emerging technologies, including promoting the free connectivity pilot for residents in the borough
• support the London Plan Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Guidance Consultation as part of the GLAs plans to improve digital connectivity across London

Learning from global best practices

We are committed to learn from the world’s most digitally innovative organisations. We will actively study and adapt successful implementations of smart technologies from around the world. We'll work in partnership and learn from others. This approach ensures that we remain at the forefront of technological advancement, consistently providing our residents with the most cutting-edge solutions.

To deliver this, we will work with technology partners to understand global best practices in the implementation and innovation of Smart technologies