Lara Blake

Tell us about yourself

I am a Business Development & Marketing Manager for app and custom software development company Media Shark. I help established businesses and start ups bring their app ideas to life and assist in automating large organisations. I am a passionate writer and advocate for the technology industry.

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What are the top 3 trends in your transport/smart city niche that everyone should look out for in the next 5 years?

On demand public transport is becoming increasingly popular due to the changing demands of the public as a result of the pandemic. Commuters want safer and more flexible options to suit their new hybrid working models. This market is set to reach around $340 billion dollars by 2030.

AI and driverless buses. Although AI can be controversial in some instances, the benefits of driverless shuttles and buses cannot be ignored. AI can assist with streamlining traffic flows, increasing efficiency and reducing accidents.

MAAS (mobility as a service) Companies such as Uber and Ola are here to stay and continue to offer opportunities for private operators. Currently Ola and Uber are offering Uber freight services and are always pushing the boundaries of innovation in the transport sector. All of the above can potentially have an ongoing positive effect on cities economies and urban mobility making cities more liveable and easily accessible.

How do you/your company innovate?

Media Shark as a company continuously innovates by staying on top of the latest technology trends. Currently we are working on a number of large RPA (Robotic process automation) projects with clients to assist with automating their organisations. We employ the best and brightest individuals in the industry and we are also very active within our community ensuring we are listening to and learning from our cities key decision makers.

Why is encouraging innovation, new ideas, and tech important?

Technology has become the very fabric of our society. We use technology in our day to day lives more than we probably realise. It is important to encourage innovation and new ideas especially in the tech industry to not only stay ahead of the competition in business but to ensure we as a society move forward together. Technology has and continues to help communities in many ways - in healthcare and medical, remote learning and education in developing countries. Technology has the power to assist people and change lives.

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