E33: London 2050: Inside the City Building Britain's AI Future with Theo Blackwell

What happens when a 2,000-year-old city tries to build itself around artificial intelligence without losing the essence that makes it special?  

Theo Blackwell MBE, London's first Chief Digital Officer, has spent the past nine years tackling exactly that challenge for the Mayor of London. 

Recorded live at SXSW London, Theo joins host Tanisha Raffiuddin on Talking Place from the London 2050 conference track to explore how the capital is using data, digital innovation and AI to improve the everyday lives of Londoners. This conversation dives into the transformation of King's Cross into a frontier AI hub, how Transport for London became one of the world's most influential smart city testbeds, who really owns London's data across 33 local authorities, and how the Greater London Authority is transforming London into a coherent digital city. 

Whether you work in placemaking, urban policy or simply want to understand what a smart city really looks like beyond the buzzwords, this episode is for you. 

Topics Covered

• Why a smart city should start with solving problems for citizens, not technology 
• How Transport for London worked with Google Maps to improve cycling journeys 
• How London doesn't have one central data lake 
• Why the Mayor’s position is an AI realist, and not an AI pessimist 
• How cities can embrace AI without losing public trust 

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About Our Guest   

Theo Blackwell MBE is London's Chief Digital Officer, leading the city's work on digital transformation, data and emerging technologies on behalf of the Mayor of London. He is responsible for shaping London's approach to digital inclusion, innovation and responsible AI, working across government, industry and academia to improve public services and everyday life for Londoners.  

Theo has been instrumental in initiatives ranging from Transport for London's open data programme to the London Emerging Technology Charter, helping position London as a global leader in digital innovation while championing a people-first approach to smart cities. His work focuses on how technology, when supported by strong governance and public trust, can help create cities that are more inclusive, resilient and responsive to the needs of their citizens.  

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Who is your city built for? What would it take to make it work for everyone?  

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Links & Mentions  

• Theo Blackwell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theo-blackwell-mbe/   
• Transport for London: https://tfl.gov.uk/   
• London Emerging Technology Charter: https://www.london.gov.uk/publications/emerging-technology-charter-london   
• Sadiq Khan - Mayor of London