Real-estate firm and university team for digital and disruptive cities

SMARTCITIESWORLD  –  29 April 2019

The collaboration will explore and assess emerging technologies and societal trends to develop practical applications for the commercial real-estate sector.

Focus areas for the collaboration include smart buildings and data analytics Cushman & Wakefield has teamed with Stanford University’s Disruptive Technology and Digital Cities Programme to explore transformative technologies within the commercial real estate space.

The partnership brings together Stanford’s academic and institutional resources and Cushman & Wakefield’s industry-specific knowledge and expertise.

Tech and societal trends

The collaboration seeks to assess emerging technologies and societal trends, with the goal of leveraging these findings to develop practical applications. Focus areas will include smart building operations, 3D visual modelling, property valuation and advanced data analytics.

The global real estate services firm said the move is an important component of its larger innovation and technology strategy – and could assist in identifying emerging technologies that could alter its practices or operating model.

“This collaboration with Stanford University underscores Cushman & Wakefield’s commitment to bringing new and cutting-edge technologies and insights to the commercial real estate industry, our people and our clients,” said Shawn Mobley, CEO, Cushman & Wakefield Americas.

As part of the partnership, Cushman & Wakefield leaders will meet regularly with Stanford faculty and staff to discuss programme updates and share insights or developments across industries.

“These relationships enable us to use lessons drawn from the best innovators across several disciplines and provide us first hand access to next generation tools designed for the future”

The firm will become actively involved in several current research efforts underway within the programme, including studies on 3D-modelling, advanced materials and mobility.

Existing corporate members of the programme include Amazon Web Services, Bechtel, Booz Allen Hamilton, CIBC, Cityzenith, Daikin, Deloitte, Hitachi, Microsoft, Prologis, Royal Bank of Canada and Visa.

According to Cushman & Wakefield, the relationship constitutes yet another critical technology partnership. Since 2017, the company has engaged in strategic partnerships with start-up accelerators and venture capital firms, including MetaProp New York City, Plug and Play and Chicago’s 1871.

“Our investment in technology through partnerships provides us with insights that help us to better advise our clients on how to manage their property,” added Melanie Kirkwood Ruiz, CIO, Cushman & Wakefield Americas.

“These relationships enable us to use lessons drawn from the best innovators across several disciplines and provide us first hand access to next generation tools designed for the future.”

Cross-discipline expertise

Stanford’s Global Projects Centre digital cities research initiative aims to create a focused research effort.

It brings together cross-discipline expertise including data analytics, institutional investment on urban sustainability, and explores how emerging technologies will change the way perceptions about business model development for government and enterprises engaged in digital cities.

Collaboration with corporate affiliates ensures market connection, validation, and new ways of transforming disruption into competitive advantage.

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