Global card payments firm MasterCard has joined the Smart Cities Council, an initiative using innovation to advance smart city development.
The deal will see cities, local governments and businesses enjoy innovative digital transaction processing platforms as MasterCard will work with them on better, safer and more secure payment methods.
Speaking about the deal, Emmanuel Petit, General Manager Government & Public Sector at MasterCard Europe said, “We are passionate about innovation and constantly seeking to develop and test new payment channels and digital solutions that are safe, simple and smart.”
“What better way to do this than by joining the Smart Cities Council, which works with the most progressive businesses, thought leaders and cities around the globe,” Petit added.
The council says innovation has been the biggest change agent in transforming payments, enhancing transparency, reducing administrative costs and leading to safety which MasterCard is better placed to do.
MasterCard will also contribute to the Smart Cities Council Readiness Guide, a step-by-step roadmap, vendor-neutral technology recommendations, evaluations and case studies for smart city development. This will improve the cities livability, workability and sustainability.
According to Smart Cities Council Founding Chairman Jesse Berst,“The MasterCard input will be invaluable as they continue to develop inventive ways to support cities’ digital strategy, drive local business growth, fuel commercial development, increase citizens’ satisfaction and reduce costs.”
Apart from MasterCard, other Smart Cities Council Global Lead Partners include firms such as Alstom, AT&T, Bechtel, Cisco, Electricite de France, General Electric,IBM, Itron, MasterCard, Microsoft, National Grid, Qualcomm and S&C Electric. Current Smart Cities Associate Partners include: ABB,Alphinat, Grid2020, Invensys, MaxWest, Opower, SunGard Public Sector and Zipcar.