SPBE host IBM Business Briefing on Smarter Planets – Sustainable Cities

18th November 2010

On Thursday 18th of November 2010 the Scottish Parliament & Business Exchange (SPBE) hosted an IBM Business Briefing at the Scottish Parliament. Ronnie Melrose & Andy Stanford-Clark from IBM presented a briefing which showed how IBM’s vision of Smarter Planets, Sustainable Cities is relevant to Scotland’s towns and cities.

The briefing, attended by nine MSPs*, went on to demonstrate how IBM’s initiatives can assist Scotland economically, socially, technically and financially over the next decade referencing IBM's involvement and experience gained as part of the Sustainable Glasgow project.

Ronnie Melrose, IBM, explained: "IBM's vision of 'a Smarter Planet' is based on integrating technologies to capture data and then using modern analysis techniques to provide better information, more quickly to decision makers. In terms of 'Smarter Government' this can help transform public services around everything from physical infrastructure like: roadways, buildings and power grids, to complex services like: health, social care and fighting crime. IBM has a 60-year history in Scotland and we are keen to continue playing our part in improving its social and economic future."

Speaking after the briefing, SPBE Chief Executive Arthur McIvor said: “This briefing provided a great opportunity for MSPs and IBM to effectively discuss some of the key areas affecting not just Glasgow, but the whole of Scotland. With the big challenges facing Scotland it is crucial that Business and Parliament have real opportunities to communicate and exchange knowledge – and the Scottish Parliament and Business Exchange is committed to ensuring events such as this briefing can happen in a non-partisan and non-lobbying manner.”

*The MSPs attending the Business Breakfast Briefing were: Andy Kerr MSP, Ross Finnie MSP, Liam McArthur MSP, Stuart McMillan MSP, Derek Brownlee MSP, David Whitton MSP, Patrick Harvie MSP, Iain Smith MSP and Duncan McNeill MSP.

<<Back to news page