Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 44 | Page 51

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// FEATURE: SMART CITIES Smart skills for Smart Cities New and futuristic skills are required to fully harness the power of Smart Cities which enhance the quality and performance of urban services through technology. Roy Strik, Head of Business Development for Pearson Professional Middle East, tells us about the skills that will be in demand to make the most of the Smart City Revolution. www.intelligentcio.com R apid urbanisation is leading to smarter cities that improve the lives of citizens with the use of technology. A 2018 report by McKinsey & Company states that the value of the Smart City industry is projected to be a US$400 billion market by 2020, with 600 cities around the globe expected to generate 60% of the world’s GDP by 2025. The natural consequence of the growth of any industry is job creation, and Smart Cities are no different. This then leads one to ponder about the skills which are needed for a job in this industry. What skillsets does one require to be able to efficiently manage this industry? The answer is interesting, because many studies state that 40% to 60% of the jobs that might come up in 2030 have not been invented yet. There is an increasing demand for new and futuristic skills, such as the ones necessary to successfully manage a Smart City. In such a scenario, it is important that working professionals upgrade their skills regularly and invest in up-skilling in order to stay relevant. INTELLIGENTCIO 51