Future of Infrastructure

Around the globe, there are calls to increase infrastructure investment. If there was ever a cause whose time has come or a time that called for a particular cause, this is it. Infrastructure modernization can contribute to recovery, productivity, and growth and for all these objectives, the need is great. That’s why we are running a new #InclusiveInfrastructure series to address pressing topics, changing perspectives, and intriguing discussions that help move us toward a more inclusive, equitable, and connected future for all.

A New View on Infrastructure 

Technology is rapidly redefining the new view on infrastructure in government and the public sector, with the scale and pace of the change rapidly increasing as we move to smart technology and digital solutions. The future of infrastructure is digital and rightly so – smart governments, communities, and countries all will need to invest in digital transformation. As the pace of change continues to accelerate, the ability to be innovative, creative and to reimagine the business and provide solutions will become the selling point. U.S. infrastructure is becoming more focused on innovation in the future, looking for new ways to build competitive strengths and enable the development of new products and services. At Cisco, we’ve been preparing for this increasingly connected future.  

Building the Network of the Future with Inclusive Connectivity  

Cisco is committed to closing the digital divide and powering an inclusive future for all. Remote operations during the pandemic have shown the importance of broadband, especially within underserved communities and the widespread lack of access to broadband internet. Building the network for the future is laying the groundwork for broadband, Wi-Fi, and 5G that will strengthen competitiveness while enabling high-quality, affordable connectivity for all. While U.S. infrastructure is aging rapidly, the last year has really revealed the fundamental paradigm exemplified by the shift to remote operations, increased threat of cyberattacks, and environmental risks accelerated by climate change.   

Thus, connectivity is the key puzzle piece to connecting every household, government agency, organization, and school – enabling our communities with equal opportunities to learn, work, and play anywhere, at any time. Investing in our infrastructure is advancing America’s future. In order for the U.S. to maintain its leadership, we must look to build an inclusive recovery while also balancing U.S. competitiveness. 

Security at the Forefront 

Security underpins everything. At Cisco, it is our mission to securely connect what’s now and what’s next. The potential for increased infrastructure funding and growing numbers of government mandates requiring implementation of new security practices will help to improve preparedness and resiliency. Governments will have to scale up in cyber defense programs to protect critical infrastructure and national interests. As such, this represents a growing opportunity for leaders to shift their organizations and their mindsets toward toward a future with strong security posture.

This is a very exciting time.  The rapid pace of digital change is only set to increase. Conversations today will redefine infrastructure for the future and we will need to jump on the opportunity to embrace that change and adapt quickly. 

Government is typically associated with incremental change, but the last year has been one of discontinuity and dramatic change. The shifts we have seen in government reflects the greater transformation happening the world over. As inclusion, equity, and digital trust come to the forefront, we hope you will follow along with us. If you like what you see here, stay tuned for the next post in the #InclusiveInfrastructure series and share your thoughts.

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