‘Microcities’ to Remain Urban Tech Innovation ‘Hotbeds,’ Projects ABI

Though COVID-19 community spread “exposed the vulnerability of dense urban clusters,” those same so-called “microcities” as engines of tech and economic growth “will remain unchallenged,” reported ABI Research Thursday. The estimated 13,000 microcities globally “will remain hotbeds for urban technology innovation,” said analyst Dominique Bonte. Smart cameras, digital signage, private Wi-Fi networks and 5G connectivity typify the “common technologies deployed” across most microcities, she said. “They allow addressing specific challenges related to people flow management, access and security, overall customer experience, and environmental impact while generating cost savings through maximizing operational efficiencies.”