AI-Generated Summary
The Smart London Innovation Network (SLIN) is a programme established by the Greater London Authority (GLA) to connect innovators, technologists and SMEs with those responsible for delivering smart infrastructure across London. Originally launched in 2014 under the Mayor's first Smart London Plan (published December 2013), the network was designed to help London-based companies seize smart city market opportunities and scale up their solutions, with an initial target of piloting two smart city innovations and reaching at least 100 SMEs by early 2015.
The network evolved significantly with the publication of the Smarter London Together roadmap in June 2018 under Mayor Sadiq Khan. This flexible digital masterplan set out five missions to make London the smartest city in the world: more user-designed services putting citizens at the centre; better city-wide data infrastructure; world-class connectivity including 5G, fibre and public Wi-Fi; enhanced digital skills for Londoners; and improved city-wide collaboration through LOTI and cross-sector partnerships.
The roadmap was supported by the Smart London Board, an advisory body of senior technology leaders from industry, academia, the NHS and civic society who guided the Mayor and the Chief Digital Officer on best practice and international benchmarking. Complementary initiatives included Talk London (a redesigned citizen engagement platform), the London Datastore, and partnerships with the Future Cities Catapult and Connected Digital Economy Catapult.
The Smarter London Together programme ran from 2018 to 2021, after which its work was continued through successor initiatives including LOTI and other GLA digital programmes. For smart city practitioners, SLIN represents an important example of how a metropolitan government can structure its smart city ecosystem around innovation networks and cross-sector collaboration.