News Story

MK:SMART mentioned at despatch box

Alan Fletcher, Thursday 16 Jan 2014

During Prime Minister’s Questions on 15th January, Prime Minister David Cameron congratulated the Open University on the MK:SMART initiative and Milton Keynes for its representation on the Smart Cities Forum.

MK:SMART is a £16m multi partner project led by Professor Enrico Motta of KMi which is a critical part in a range of initiatives that combine to secure growth in Milton Keynes. Through the building of the MK Data Hub to curate key data sourced from service providers, users and citizens, MK:SMART will build novel demonstrators in energy, water and transport management using KMi linked and semantic data technologies, as well as engaging citizens and business in a programme of innovation.

The following question was put by Iain Stewart, the MP for Milton Keynes South:
“Investing in research and innovation is essential for our economic future. Does the Prime Minister agree that the Open university’s smart city research project to improve infrastructure is just one example of how Milton Keynes is leading the way in securing our long-term economic plans?"

To which the Prime minister responded: “I have visited the Open university at Milton Keynes. It is an extremely impressive organisation that is also leading a very important export drive for our universities. I congratulate Milton Keynes on its representation on the smart cities forum and on what the Open University is doing…”