The Skolkovo Foundation, which has been instrumental in pumping R&D funds into the Skolkovo innovation hub just outside Moscow since 2010, has contracted with an international consortium to create a comprehensive ‘smart city’ concept.
Under the terms of the 89.7 million ruble ($3 million) deal, the Russian software developer Cognitive Technologies, Britain’s Ernst&Young, the U.S.’ Cisco and Japan’s Panasonic, all companies chosen in February on a tender basis, are expected to sketch out a city management system by July.
The planned city system would cover everything from housing and urban education to transportation systems, roads and retail space. In separate task, technical specifications must be drafted for what the Skolkovo Foundation refers to as “joint operating control center”, a “virtual service provider,” and an “eco-tech showroom.”
In addition, the contractors, each experienced in drawing up similar projects across the globe and outfitting government offices and companies with software, will have to create a 3D prototype of a ‘smart city’ that would enable further shaping of Skolkovo itself, its traffic, safety measures, etc. According to current plans, Skolkovo’s municipal services and transportation systems will be run by an integrated control system, using only energy-saving and eco-friendly technologies for its operation.
In a scientific approach to fostering a “creative ecosystem” in Skolkovo, special mathematical models will be developed to outline the patterns of social relationships. Some interactive environments that will encourage people to share scientific ideas are reportedly being mapped out.
The ‘innovation city’ of Skolkovo is slated for completion by 2017. An estimated 15,000 people will live and work in an area that will cover 400 hectares.
