Michael Mulquin

Michael Mulquin is a distinguished expert in the realm of smart and sustainable cities, with nearly three decades of experience partnering with urban areas, rural communities, and industries to harness technology for enhanced urban living. Over the past ten years, his focus has been squarely on the development and implementation of smart city standards, leading the charge in making cities smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable. His leadership as the Chair of the IEC Smart Cities Systems Committee and Co-Chair of the IEC-ISO-ITU Joint Smart Cities Task Group demonstrates his profound influence in shaping international standards that propel the growth of intelligent urban environments.

Michael's dedication extends beyond standards development. As a City Standards Associate with the Connected Places Catapult, he contributes to driving innovation in smart transport and smart cities, earning recognition as a trusted advisor in urban innovation. Moreover, his involvement in the UK Government External Advisory Group on Secure Connected Places underscores his expertise in addressing critical issues of security and connectivity in urban spaces. Michael is a passionate advocate for the Minimal Interoperability Mechanisms (MIMs) initiative, collaborating with Open and Agile Smart Cities (OASC) and working closely with ITU Study Group 20 to formalize MIMs as part of the international standards portfolio. His visionary leadership and comprehensive experience continue to shape the landscape of smart and sustainable cities, ensuring they remain at the forefront of urban development.

Michael Mulquin is a seasoned professional with a rich and diverse background in leveraging technology to enhance the functionality and sustainability of cities and regions. With a career spanning nearly three decades, he has been dedicated to partnering with local communities, urban areas, and industries to create innovative solutions for complex challenges. His professional journey has focused on promoting smart city initiatives, advocating for the development and implementation of global standards, and actively participating in various international and European standards bodies.

Michael's current role as the MiMs Ambassador at Open & Agile Smart Cities (OASC) underscores his commitment to advancing the concept of Minimal Interoperability Mechanisms (MIMs) to facilitate local data-sharing ecosystems within cities. In this capacity, he plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and interoperability among diverse stakeholders in the smart city landscape.

His influence extends beyond OASC, as he also chairs the Smart Cities Systems Committee at the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This prestigious position places him at the forefront of international standards development, particularly in fields related to electricity, batteries, and electronics. His work at IEC is characterized by a systems approach to standards development, a testament to his dedication to creating holistic and effective solutions for smart cities.

Michael's commitment to the advancement of smart cities is further evident in his role as a Principal Architect for the Smart Cities Maturity Model at TM Forum. In this capacity, he likely contributes to the creation of maturity models that enable cities to assess and enhance their smart city initiatives effectively.

His technical expertise and thought leadership are underscored by his role as a Technical Author and representative on international standards bodies at the British Standards Institution (BSI). Notably, he authored BSI publications related to Smart Cities and represents the organization on several international standards bodies dedicated to smart city standards.

As the owner of IS COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED, a company he founded, Michael Mulquin has advised local authorities, housing associations, and regeneration partnerships on harnessing information and communications technologies to improve the quality of life in their respective areas. His approach prioritizes community needs and aspirations, involving them in every phase of technology implementation.

In terms of education, Michael holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Theology from King's College London, demonstrating his multidisciplinary background. He also possesses a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Polymer Science and Technology from the National College of Rubber Technology.

Michael Mulquin's contributions to the field of smart cities extend far beyond his professional roles. He actively engages with numerous European and international standards bodies, showcasing his dedication to creating standards and guidance documents that drive smart city development. 

Michael Mulquin's vision is deeply rooted in the belief that technology can serve as a catalyst for positive change in cities and communities, fostering sustainability, efficiency, and inclusivity. His extensive experience and active involvement in the field of smart cities have shaped a visionary perspective that emphasizes several key principles:

Holistic Smart Cities: Michael envisions cities as complex ecosystems where various systems and technologies work in harmony. He advocates for holistic smart city development, where solutions address multiple aspects of urban life, including transportation, energy, healthcare, and education. This approach aims to create cities that are not only technologically advanced but also livable and inclusive for all residents.

Standards and Interoperability: Central to Michael's vision is the importance of international standards and interoperability. He recognizes that for smart cities to thrive, systems and technologies must seamlessly communicate and exchange data. As the Chair of the IEC Smart Cities Systems Committee, he champions the development of global standards that enable cities worldwide to adopt interoperable solutions, fostering innovation and collaboration on a global scale.

Community-Centric Solutions: Michael's vision places a strong emphasis on the needs and aspirations of local communities. He believes that technology should be harnessed to empower residents and businesses, making their lives easier and more prosperous. His work at IS COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED, where he advises local authorities and housing associations, reflects his commitment to tailoring solutions to the unique challenges and opportunities of each community.

Sustainability and Inclusivity: Sustainability is a core component of Michael's vision. He envisions smart cities as models of environmental stewardship, where technologies are leveraged to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and promote sustainable practices. Moreover, he believes that smart city initiatives should be socially inclusive, ensuring that benefits reach all segments of the population, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Global Collaboration: Michael Mulquin's vision extends beyond national boundaries. He actively participates in international standards bodies and collaborates with organizations like OASC, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration in advancing smart city initiatives. His work brings together diverse stakeholders from around the world to share best practices and drive progress in the field.

Continuous Innovation: In line with his role as Principal Architect for the Smart Cities Maturity Model at TM Forum, Michael's vision includes a commitment to continuous innovation. He envisions cities as dynamic entities that evolve over time. To stay relevant and effective, smart city initiatives must adapt to changing technologies and societal needs, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.

Michael Mulquin's vision revolves around the transformative power of technology in creating smarter, more sustainable, and inclusive cities. His leadership in standards development, community engagement, and global collaboration reflects a commitment to making this vision a reality, ensuring that cities of the future are not only technologically advanced but also better places to live and thrive for all residents.