The video recoding of the workshop is now available.

Data is essential for the world’s economy both on a global and on a local level – some call it even the most valuable resource -, but the current landscape of used data models, API’s and data-related policies is scattered.

Interoperability and governance are the key issues the current standardisation processes for Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Cities need to address. This is one of the main findings of the first ITU-T workshop on data processing and management (DPM) for IoT and Smart Cities & Communities.

Hosted by the European Commission and Open & Agile Smart Cities, the workshop brought together stakeholders from international standardisation bodies such as ITU, ISO, and ETSI, and policy-makers from around the world. The workshop was organised by the ITU Telecommunication Standardisation Sector (ITU-T).

Closing the gap(s)

One of the pivotal points in the current landscape is interoperability between data models and APIs currently in use. The standards developed now will also guarantee interoperability of systems in the future. One approach presented during the workshop is the use of so-called Minimal Interoperability Mechanisms (MIMs) as recommended by OASC. MIMs provide a common ground for all players contributing to an IoT-enabled market for urban services.

OASC chair Martin Brynskov added:

“Many standards and initiatives are out there at the moment. The core mission of OASC is to keep the base line for all involved parties simple.”

Large Scale Pilots (LSPs) can help in solving the critical points by closing the existing gaps in the market by bringing together policy-makers, companies and cities. One of these LSPs is the EU funded project SynchroniCity that aims to enable a market for urban IoT services. The project also feeds use cases into the ITU-T Focus Group on DPM.

Convergence is crucial for success

The workshop is one of many activities to encourage collaboration and convergence of existing standardisation activities on various levels. The community is gathering again during IoT Week 2018: OASC – together with several key partners – brings together the major relevant stakeholders from 6 -7 June 2018 in Bilbao, Spain, during the two-day workshop on IoT for Smart Cities & Communities.

Video recording and presentations given during the workshop are now available.