Technology cycles and cyber-secure places with Dr. Alison Vincent

Cycles of technologies and innovations have been connecting and shaping the places where we live and work for centuries – from aqueduct and sewerage systems through to the advent of the motor vehicle, railways and the skyscraper. But the digital age has accelerated the pace of change more than any other, and it has not only brought with it a slew of new technologies, but also a profound and complex set of risks and dilemmas that governments, businesses and citizens are having to navigate. In episode 18, “Connected and Secure Places: A Conversation with Matt Warman MP” we discussed the secure and connected places of tomorrow with the UK Government’s Minister for Digital Infrastructure. In this episode we ask how the next cycle of new technologies are shaping these places, and what place leaders, businesses and individuals need to do to be ahead of the curve. What will 5G connectivity bring to our towns and cities, and at a time of rising mistrust in public institutions and even wild conspiracy theories, how do place leaders bring citizens with them on a journey of change? How do we ensure that our national digital infrastructure is safe and secure, and where is the balance between protecting civil liberties such as the right to privacy, and creating new data ecosystems that enable ground-breaking innovation? In this episode, Prof. Greg Clark CBE, Chair of the Connected Places Catapult speaks to Dr. Alison Vincent, a technical thought leader in the field of technology, innovation and global business. Throughout her 30 year career Alison has held senior positions at Cisco, HSBC, IBM and Micro Focus. Among many of her hats, she’s a Member of the Court of the University of Southampton, an Ambassador for Women In Science and Engineering (WISE), a Fellow of the British Computer Society and the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and a Non Exec Director on the Board of the Connected Places Catapult. Alison’s experience and expertise covers cybersecurity, digital strategy, research and development, product management and mergers and acquisitions. She holds a PhD in Cryptography from London University.  Music on this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions and Phill Ward Music (www.phillward.com) Show notes: If you'd like to get in touch with your feedback, comments and suggestions on what you'd like to hear more of on Connected Places, please email us at: [email protected]  If you’re interested in the often tricky question of how to procure innovation, come along to the next event in our Challenging Procurement Series: Co-creating Innovation which is being held on 14th June. You’ll get a chance to hear case studies and best practices in procurement, and learn why citizen-led projects are often cited as a powerful tool by innovative public sector organisations. To register, click here. Applications for the HS2 Accelerator are now open. The programme in partnership with HS2 and Connected Places Catapult is looking for five SMEs to provide innovative digital solutions to cut carbon and increase construction site safety and security as part of Europe’s largest infrastructure project. To find out more about a support and information webinar we’re holding on 15th June, click here. On the 23rd June we’re running an event on Connecting Homes for Healthy Ageing as part of our multi-year Homes for Healthy Ageing Programme which is contributing towards the UK Government’s goal of supporting older people to live at home independently for 5+ years longer. We’ll be exploring the barriers and opportunities for leveraging innovation to overcome the existing healthy ageing challenges in the UK. To register for free, click here.