That the concept of a ‘smart city’ is gaining popularity, can be traced back to the increasing amount of cities that is experimenting with this concept. Thereby is the growing media-attention for these cities, which use technology to improve their functioning, quite striking. Advocates of smart cities name benefits such as security, sustainability and economic growth. Critics, however, are afraid that this new design of cities gives too much power to technological companies, and in that way threatens the privacy of citizens.

Are smart cities our future? Are they capable of solving societal problems such as climate change and safety threats to citizens? How realistic are the promises of smart cities; can they be united with other important norms and values such as privacy?

Tom van Arman, founder and director at Tapp, will give us some insight in his practical experience with creating and experimenting with smart cities all over the world.

This lecture is free of charge. Afterwards we will have drinks at Café Hemingway!