Introduction
In a world where communication invades public spaces, especially in urban areas dominated by signage, advertising, and marketing, it paradoxically remains difficult for citizens to obtain relevant and useful information about their immediate surroundings. We believe it is time to adopt a new paradigm: sensitive and contextual local communication in public spaces — the Internet of Places.
Vision
The Internet of Places bridges the gap between physical and digital environments, making contextualized, reliable, and high-quality information accessible. Relying on simple and open technologies, it enhances local heritage while fostering citizen participation and community collaboration. It is not just about connecting objects but about making places themselves carriers of meaning and interaction.
Founding Principles
- Context and relevance: All information must be rooted in a local and spatial framework, addressing the specific needs of communities and places.
- Universal accessibility: Access to these digital commons must be inclusive, regardless of technological level or available resources.
- Digital responsibility: The Internet of Places protects privacy, secures data, and respects digital rights, fostering a culture of trust.
- Citizen participation: Citizens play an active role in contributing to and validating local information.
- Sustainability: Systems must be designed to minimize ecological impact while promoting responsible practices.
- Interoperability: Systems should be built on open standards and allow seamless collaboration between different technologies and platforms, ensuring smooth integration.
Objectives
- Restoring the value of information: Prioritizing verified and localized data to facilitate a better understanding of the immediate environment.
- Creating responsive environments: Making every place a source of personalized interactions, whether for public services or community initiatives.
- Strengthening resilience and cooperation: Encouraging collective action to address urban and environmental challenges.
- Supporting local economies: Promoting local innovation and enhancing cultural and natural heritage.
A Sustainable Future
The Internet of Places is not just about technology: it is based on a pragmatic approach that places humans and places at the core of digital interactions. By contextualizing, verifying, and distributing information appropriately, we contribute to a healthy informational ecosystem, reinforcing transparency, equity, and sustainability.
With the Internet of Places, we build intelligent, inclusive, and resilient public spaces where technology serves the community.