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Cisco has launched an initiative to help cities use technology to cultivate sustainable, intelligent industries as well as citizen services and overall economic growth. The initiative is called "Intelligent Urbanization."

"The Internet is quickly expanding from mobile devices and computers to become the ’Internet of Things’, as it begins to encompass not only the consumer and business internet but now the industrialization of the Internet," says Cisco Chief Globalization Officer Wim Elfrink, who explains the initiative in the following video.

"Cities which are run on information will transform the quality of life for citizens, drive economic growth and improve city services and management. Particularly in these tough economic times, cities that use the network to accelerate and multiply their infrastructure investments will be those who not only survive challenges but thrive and lead into the future," he adds.

"The network is also key to addressing one of the 21st century’s most significant issues -environmental sustainability" says Elfrink. "While technology contributes to about 2 percent of the world’s carbon emissions, it can be a substantial part of the solution. It is estimated technology can reduce carbon emissions by 15% by 2020; an environmental saving of 1 ton of CO2 per capita that translates into US$946 billion dollars in financial savings. Additionally, cities that run on information can improve their energy efficiency by 30% within 20 years."

Cisco sees Intelligent Urbanization as the creation of a multi-billion dollar industry with the potential for plenty of global partnerships, products, solutions, services, training, certifications, etc. "In a world where all things are becoming connected, the network has become the next utility, enabling the holistic, intelligent and environmentally sustainable creation and management of cities, industries and public services," says Cisco CEO John Chambers.

Cisco has already gotten a lot accomplished this year. Read the release on Intelligent Urbanization for full details about products, acquisitions and solutions the company has announced and sees as key to the Intelligent urbanization initiative.