CitiIQ Introduces Comprehensive Measurement for Cities
The Blyth Group, a Family Office from Canada and Synergine Group Limited, specialists in city transformation from New Zealand, have collaborated in the creation of CitiIQ - an objective system of measurement for the health and wellbeing of cities. Inspired by the forecasts of an urban surge across the globe, CitiIQ is working to become the global standard for measuring cities, communities, and towns. The system can be obtained by stakeholders through a cloud-based license.
The world population is expected to grow from the current 7.6 billion to 9.8 billion in 2050, creating numerous global challenges. However, an additional trend is the estimated increase in urban population, from 55% to approximately 68% of the global population.
“This dual effect is creating an urban surge affecting most cities of the world.” Don Simmonds, the Chairman and CEO of CitiIQ explains, “This will result in urban population growth equivalent to the addition of 250 cities of 10 million people in just 30 years.”
This phenomenon presents formidable challenges but also significant opportunities depending on how cities respond. Cities that respond passively, or too late, will be vulnerable to the coming changes. Alternatively, cities that actively prepare have the opportunity to turn these challenges into catalysts for improved wellbeing. A solid data set is required to inform an active response that includes intentionality, long-term strategy, and informed-design. Notably, Africa is expected to add city populations equivalent to 90 cities of 10 million people by the year 2050.
Having overseen the rebuilding of Christchurch, NZ after the devastation of the 2011 earthquake, Synergine founder and CEO, Phil Warbrick, is witness to the benefits of cities designed to thrive. “Cities are ultimately all about people and we are passionate about the idea of helping new investments in holistic city-building take into account economic, environmental, social and cultural infrastructures.”
The CitiIQ measurement system exists to do just that, informing human-centric design and helping cities reach their fullest potential.
Employing an evidence-based methodology, CitiIQ has organized 35 imperatives, referred to as Considerations, into a hierarchical pyramid, inspired by Abraham Maslow’s theory of human motivation. The 5 hierarchical dimensions of the CitiIQ framework include Basic Needs, Competitiveness, Opportunity, Livability, and Destiny.
The CitiIQ algorithm normalizes all of the scores on a common scale, making them readily comparable, providing a holistic picture of a city’s strengths and weaknesses. CitiIQ is one of few non-linear city diagnostic tools, more adequately reflecting the non-linear nature of human beings.
Over one hundred and ten specific Indicators drive the Diagnostic Tool. The list of Indicators was developed to optimize comprehensiveness, credibility, accuracy, and likelihood of data accessibility. The Indicators inform the Considerations to varying degrees and may inform multiple Considerations in the hierarchy. The network-like framework of the tool reflects the complex interrelations between the diverse, interrelated elements of a city’s wellbeing.
About CitiIQ:
CitiIQ has created a comprehensive system that objectively measures the overall health and wellbeing of a city and is working to become the global standard for city diagnostics. Employing an evidence-based methodology, CitiIQ informs human-centric design to help a city, community or town reach its full potential. The tool considers the economic, environmental, social and cultural infrastructures of a city measuring 35 Considerations (essential elements), of 5 Dimensions (priority levels) based on data driven by over 110 Indicators (measurements). The CitiIQ algorithm normalizes scores out of 100 and weights through non-linear aggregation to provide a meaningful, comparable view of city wellbeing by Consideration, Dimension and the City as a whole. The CitiIQ diagnostic tool is offered through a cloud-based license.
About Blyth Group Inc.:
Blyth Group is a Family Office that places financial and human capital behind ideas with the potential for positive global impact. It offers strategic advisory and mediation services to international clients. Blyth Group is a founding partner of CitiIQ operating from Toronto, Canada.
About Synergine Group Limited:
Synergine provides innovative, transformational and enduring solutions to the challenges faced by cities and communities through a depth of world-class technical expertise. Specialists in understanding the convergence of economic, environmental, social and cultural considerations of cities, Synergine uses a true multidisciplinary approach to the design of a more liveable, just and sustainable future for its global client base. Synergine is a founding partner of CitiIQ and operates from Auckland, New Zealand.
For more information contact:
info@citiiq.com
www.citiiq.com