By Miodrag Grujic
There’s no denying that digital technologies are becoming central to infrastructure and energy investments in developing countries. What was once a niche element is now considered integral to helping developing countries take major strides towards sustainability. This is because digital tools boost efficiency, optimise operations, and create ripple effects that improve health, social wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
In the past, digitisation often came with hefty upfront costs, which made it a tough sell. However, that is beginning to change. Advances in technology have driven down prices and made digital solutions more accessible and profitable. Today’s digital tools are highly adaptable as they’re designed to meet the specific needs of users, from individuals to entire communities.
The rise of smart buildings
One of the most exciting areas of progress is in smart buildings. Thanks to intelligent data analysis across various domains, building owners and users can now access real-time, actionable insights. This empowers them to make better decisions, based on accurate information from their actual environments.
This then begs the question, what is a ‘smart’ building? A central aspect of a building being considered smart is the integration of digital solutions, including sensors, devices, and systems that gather, process, and respond to information. These systems typically fall into two categories: management services (like heating, cooling, ventilation, or lighting) and support services (such as security, energy monitoring, or maintenance alerts).
These technologies are being applied more frequently in facilities such as hospitals, schools, and office buildings, where sensors provide valuable data to management teams, staff, and even users themselves.
Smart buildings represent an important first step towards a more ambitious goal: the digital transformation of entire cities.
How can we achieve smart cities?
The benefits of digitisation, from reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions to improving safety, comfort, and communication, often outweigh common challenges such as high initial investment, lack of IT skills, or the absence of a clear change management strategy. Nevertheless, prioritising which digital technologies to adopt should be a strategic decision, tailored to specific regions, building types, and sector needs.
This transformation relies on several interconnected pillars:
- Optimising natural resources through better environmental protection, energy efficiency, and waste management.
- Enhancing mobility via smarter public transport, traffic flow, and parking systems.
- Empowering citizens through improved access to information, inclusive decision-making, and digital tools for learning and participation.
- Improving quality of life, from safety and disaster management to better urban planning and community services.
As these elements come together, they lay the foundation for cities that are not only smarter, but also more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.
Looking ahead
The digital future isn’t coming; it’s already here. For developing countries, it holds enormous potential to reshape urban life for the better. Encouragingly, leading international financial institutions are beginning to recognise digitisation as a key investment priority. At E Co., we’ve had the privilege of supporting our clients as they explore how digital solutions intersect with broader sustainability goals, spanning across social, ecological, and economic dimensions.
We’re excited to continue playing a role in shaping the global digital transformation by helping build smarter buildings, smarter cities, and a more sustainable future for all.
