The Greater Phoenix Smart Region Consortium, known as “The Connective,” was recently launched to drive the creation, advancement, and adoption of smart city technologies within Greater Phoenix communities. The Connective is a collaborative applied research and implementation partnership between public-sector, academia, industry and civic institutions – including Arizona State University. the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC). Maricopa Association of Governments, and the Partnership for Economic Innovation and the Institute for Digital Progress.
“Two years ago we announced the intention and vision for a smart region consortium in Greater Phoenix,” said Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “Now a reality, this consortium will elevate the region’s competitiveness and enhance the reputation of Greater Phoenix as a preeminent market where companies can test, develop and deploy technology at scale while providing our residents with a technologically advanced lifestyle opportunity.”
Its aim is to build the nation’s largest smart region by developing and deploying technology solutions rooted in connectivity, mobility, equity, and sustainability.
“PEI was established to help transform Greater Phoenix into a top global market for innovation and technology. The Connective provides us the pathways to connect research institutes, advanced industries and high-tech entrepreneurs who have solutions to address real world problems affecting citizens and businesses in Greater Phoenix,” said John Graham, chairman of the Partnership for Economic Innovation.
The Connective has five core goals:
- to improve the quality of life;
- to drive equity;
- to enhance revenue;
- to promote sustainability and resilience; and,
- to support economic competitiveness.
“Creating a smarter, safer, more vibrant city is at the heart of this effort. ASU is proud to partner with PEI and our neighbors to advance this initiative for our city, our region and the state,” said Cynthia Sagers, vice president, research at Arizona State University