LISTEN Supporting and striving for a more connected world is a no-brainer. Increased connectivity and, crucially, an increased focus on equality when it comes to delivering that connectivity has long been a problem that needs addressing, with the real estate sector playing a critical role in that delivery.
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has only accelerated this trend as a sudden and forced upheaval of the world we knew before has shone a stark light on some of the major holes in our current provision of connected buildings and communities.
Now, as the real estate industry and the wider world looks to address some of these issues as a matter of urgency, recognising and tackling the legislative and political hurdles standing between us and a more connected society will be paramount.
As part of a Tech Talk Radio podcast with Cluttons, EG’s tech editor Emily Wright was joined by Cluttons head of research Sophy Moffat and CBI senior policy adviser Susannah Odell to delve into some of the key issues at the heart of this debate.
From considering how real estate can work together to surmount barriers including business rates policy and investment levels to the arguments for the creation of “15-minute cities”, Moffat and Odell said the industry much focus on in order to keep up with the fast-changing world at a time of great uncertainty.
“It shouldn’t be an analogue conversation about whether we, say, need the office anymore,” said Cluttons’ Moffat. “It should be a much wider conversation around what we do need and what kind of spaces we need.
“There is so much we can take away from what is going on at the moment,” she added, highlighting the impact of more localised working habits on fuelling a need for increased and improved rural connectivity.
CBI’s Odell added: “We are definitely seeing an increased need from businesses in terms of digital connectivity and making sure that connectivity is there in a timely manner is really important. We know that government is committed to rolling out gigabit-capable digital infrastructure to every home and business by 2025. But there are a range of policy and legislative barriers that are stopping some of the providers from rolling out this next generation of digital connectivity as quickly as they would like. Speed is key here to address some of the barriers.”
For more on how the three major barriers – legislation, investment and business rates – are being addressed, tune in to hear the full podcast.
To send feedback, e-mail emily.wright@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmilyW_9 or @estatesgazette
