Around the globe, there are calls to increase infrastructure investment. If there was ever a cause whose time has come or a time that called for a particular cause, this is it. Infrastructure modernization can contribute to recovery, productivity, and growth and for all these objectives, the need is great. That’s why we are running a new #InclusiveInfrastructure series to address pressing topics, changing perspectives, and intriguing discussions that help move us toward a more inclusive, equitable, and connected future for all.

A New View on Infrastructure 

As America embarks on an opportunity to repair and reinvent its infrastructure, one point has become clear: the future of infrastructure is digital.

The way cities monitor traffic and the development of smart parking for better traffic flow will require technical solutions. Bridges and dams will give earlier indications of when they need repair thanks to IoT sensors. The critical infrastructure overseeing how we receive water, electricity, fuel, and countless other commodities are all being managed by increasingly intelligent networks.

The pace of innovation and technological advancement will only accelerate. Innovation, creativity, and the reimagination of these citizen services is needed now more than ever.  At Cisco, we’ve been preparing for this increasingly digital future.

Building the Network of the Future with Inclusive Connectivity

Just as important as the traditional infrastructure like roads and bridges, is the digital highway that kept us connected in unprecedented ways over the past year.

Cisco is committed to closing the digital divide and powering an inclusive future for all. Remote operations during the pandemic have shown the importance of broadband, especially within underserved communities and the widespread lack of internet access. Building the network for the future is the laying the groundwork for broadband, Wi-Fi and 5G that will power American competitiveness to close the digital divide.

U.S. infrastructure is aging rapidly. The last year has really brought light to this with industries being impacted by the shift to remote operations, cyberattacks, and environmental crisis being accelerated by climate changes.

Thus, connectivity is the key puzzle piece to connecting every household, government agency, organization, and school – enabling our communities to have equal opportunities to learn, work, and play anywhere, at any time. Investing in our infrastructure is advancing America’s future.  In order for the U.S. to maintain its leadership, we must look to build an inclusive recovery while also balancing U.S. competitiveness.

Security at the Forefront 

With the increase in connectivity, comes the simple truth that security underpins everything. At Cisco, it is our mission to securely connect what’s now and what’s next. The potential for increased infrastructure funding and growing number of government mandates and security practices will help to improve preparedness and resiliency. Governments will have to scale up in cyber defense programs to protect critical infrastructure and national interests. As such, this represents a growing opportunity for leaders to shift their organizations and their mindsets toward a future with a strong security posture.

This is a very exciting time. The rapid pace of digital change is only set to increase. Conversations today will redefine infrastructure for the future and we need to jump on the opportunity to embrace that change and adapt quickly.

Government is typically associated with incremental change, but the last year has been one of discontinuity and dramatic change. The shifts we have seen in government reflects the greater transformation happening the world over. As inclusion, equity, and digital trust come to the forefront, we hope you will follow along with us. If you like what you see here, stay tuned for the next post in the #InclusiveInfrastructure series and share your thoughts.