EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
economic integration is potentially difficult. They require reinforcements in their planning, management, and investment capacities (human, capital, and material) for their sustainability or transformation (see Maputo or Casablanca, Dhaka, Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro, Bamako, and Ho Chi Minh City). The decentralized production of services by individuals or small businesses (‘off grid’ or ‘post-network’) is becoming increasingly possible and affordable (through solar panels, miniature wind turbines, small sewerage treatment plants, etc.). Disrupting the model of universal networked infrastructure, this trend transforms the provider/user relationship, as the user becomes a co-producer or a supplier to the network. This change in user status challenges man-
and smart grids) are underway to explore the possibilities of low carbon systems and the coupling of basic services with high technology. These innovations integrate computer controls, develop mobile applications, promote efficient consumption (adjusted user cost, choice of provider), and adjust network losses. In addition to generating gains in productivity and resource savings, the data produced in the course of the consumption of basic services becomes a resource for new urban contractors and multinational corporations (including Cisco, IBM, Siemens, General Electric, Veolia and Suez) seeking to adapt their products and strategies to user needs. These advances can result in services that are more responsive, focused, better monitored, and high performing for metropolitan
The data produced in the course of the consumption of basic services becomes a resource for new urban contractors seeking to adapt their products and strategies to user needs. agement and production models, and the economic, financial, technical, and institutional foundations of basic services. As with alliances with small private operators, CBOs, and NGOs, this trend calls into question the governability of local access management by multiplying the number of partners and blurring the boundaries between their roles and status (e.g. in London and Stockholm).
areas. However, here again, there must be increased vigilance to avoid a privatization of the government and to ensure solidarity with isolated populations.
The practice of local marketing is increasingly common. Communication campaigns dealing with the challenges of urbanizationand basic services encourage citizens to engage in key urban issues and to appropriate and preserve resources and common Technical and technological progress goods – see metropolises like Vancouver or Medellin. The remarkable communication Numerous initiatives (such as waste-to- campaign for the new Metro Bus system energy, circular economy, smart meters in the City of Curitiba, which has inspired