Idea Transcript
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Panel 2.2
Tomorrow’s Internet of Things
Objectives The Internet of Things may soon be a commonplace of daily life, with many billions of objects interconnected. “Smart” devices, equipment, machines and infrastructure are creating opportunities for automation and for interaction in real time. Applications and services built for the Internet of Things, with insights provided by data analytics, are expected to help to reinvigorate industry, meet the needs of increasingly elderly populations, pave the way for smart cities and support the achievement of the sustainable development goals. Unleashing the potential economic and social benefits of various emerging technologies and applications for business and consumers, which are associated with the Internet of Things such as machine-tomachine communications or the Industrial Internet, will require an enabling policy framework. The panel will discuss potential benefits of the Internet of Things in various sectors and focus on how to build trust in this emerging technology, foster interoperability, and promote efficient and widespread communication infrastructures and services.
Key issues Some sectors already employ Internet of Things approaches but many others could harness the potential benefits of this emerging technology. In some industries, these approaches have already transformed how firms monitor their processes and output and achieve efficiency gains (improvements in warehousing, freight, logistics and productivity). The so-called “Industrial Internet” opens up possibilities for new jobs, business models and manufacturing processes. Connected sensors, smartphone-assisted read-outs, big data analytics and continuous remote monitoring lead to improvements in the quality and cost of services delivered (e.g. in healthcare). They also offer opportunities for the creation of start-ups. In some countries, the Internet of Things is increasingly viewed as a means to achieve important public policy goals, such as improving the environment and social well-being. For example, authorities in several countries are updating their energy policies and regulations to require utility operators to adopt smart meters. With the prospect of the commercialisation of connected and automated vehicles in the next few years, policy makers are also exploring the potential of smart transport to make their cities greener and “smarter”, reduce congestion, increase safety and improve road conditions through targeted maintenance.
Q1: What are, in your view, the most promising opportunities for the Internet of Things? Q2: How can stakeholders ensure that the Internet of Things will empower end users?
As the Internet of Things grows, the need to build user trust and foster interoperability becomes more important. Trust is critical to the successful development of the Internet of Things. A bridge between the physical and digital worlds, it brings privacy, security and safety issues to the forefront. In some contexts, these devices may collect large amounts of personal data, and users may be unaware of the nature and purpose of the data collection. This raises concerns, in particular if the data collected feed “big data” ecosystems. A breach of integrity may affect the behaviour of a device (e.g. in an industrial, health or transport facility) and pose risks to the health or physical safety of individuals or the environment. A lack of reliable connections among components such as sensors, actuators or hubs may create safety concerns. A malfunction in a connection in a “mission critical” system such as an autonomous vehicle may result in physical damage to property or personal injury. Clarity of rules and procedures, and attribution of responsibilities across actors along the value chain, will be essential to achieve trust in the Internet of Things. Interoperability, to stimulate the emergence of new systems, boost innovation and reinforce competitiveness, is also important. Global, voluntary standards developed by standard-setting bodies or industry consortia are essential to the interoperability and growth of the Internet of Things ecosystem. However, the diversity of applications and device technologies will require different specifications and standards. Information about device and platform interoperability and technological maturity will guide user choices in this rapidly evolving global marketplace.
Q3: What key actions can be taken to build trust in Internet of Things’ applications and services? Q4: How can stakeholders best develop the interoperability of standards, approaches and policies for the Internet of Things?
Ensuring competition, assessing legacy policies and opening public-sector data can facilitate the deployment of the Internet of Things. Increasingly widespread deployment of the Internet of Things will place new demands on communication infrastructures and services. Sound spectrum policies will be essential to support its future growth and enable businesses to innovate. As this ecosystem develops, regulators will need to take care to keep markets open for competition. For example, the system needs various forms of identifiers (e.g. IP addresses and international mobile subscriber identities) to address connected devices, and regulators may need to consider whether their numbering policies are supportive of competition and innovation. Existing regulations may not be suitable for global value chains or across borders, in connected cars, for example. Authorities should also assess legacy policies and practices in relevant sectors. In healthcare, for example, treatment of chronic diseases could be improved through better lifestyle practices and complementary distance healthcare with tools enabled by the Internet of Things, provided that patients’ privacy is adequately protected. Yet existing healthcare rules may only reimburse a medical practitioner for a physical visit, not for remotely monitoring a patient.
Finally, the availability of public-sector data from transport, environmental monitoring or energy infrastructures, to name a few, should be increased to foster its innovative re-use by other stakeholders and maximise its utility. Consideration should also be given to encouraging the private sector to share data with the characteristics of a public good (e.g. road safety, air quality). This would allow all interested parties to access a broader range of open data and innovate.
Q5: What changes in existing policy and regulatory frameworks (e.g. communication, health, transport) might be needed to catalyse innovation and foster competition? Q6: How can the availability and re-use of public and private sector datasets be encouraged to foster the development of applications for the Internet of Things?