How can we trust Intelligent Traffic Systems? At the 2015 ITS World Congress, NXP and inspiring experts discussed the new responsibilities of tech companies.

The ITS World Congress in Bordeaux impressively demonstrated the rapid advancement of the Internet of Things. From billboards to bus stops to lamppost to cars and roads: Infrastructure becomes smarter and more connected. Many people feel scared or at least insecure about the consequences: Is the technology reliable? What happens with my data? Companies and legislators have to face up to these concerns. That is why NXP Semiconductors invited a group of thought leaders to discuss what is needed to trust these new technologies.

'We are on the verge of a whole new world of mobility', said moderator Doug Newcomb, connected car expert and President of C3 Group. 'But with any potential there are challenges.' He started the discussion by asking what the biggest concerns are.

'There is a fear in people that something is happening that is out of their control', said Lars Reger, CTO Automotive at NXP. As a matter of fact, control became one central keyword of the discussion. The experts agreed that it is essential for building trust. At the same time, costumers are still lacking control when it comes to their personal data. 'Right now we have no access to the data that companies have from us', said author John C. Havens. 'There is an assumption that the data does not belong to the customer. That needs to change.'

Claus Beringer, Head of Strategic Projects at Siemens AG, agreed that costumers need to have a real choice. 'We need rules where you can decide what information you want to share', he said. 'Today it is either everything or nothing.' At the same time, he said, it's essential that people are being educated. Only then they can make informed choices.

The experts agreed that in an increasingly smarter world, it's a responsibility of companies to educate and support their customers. 'Our role is changing', said Eva Schulz-Kamm, Head of Political Affairs at NXP. 'We are becoming a facilitator for people to make their choices.' In a time where innovations can have a massive impact on our lives and society, companies will increasingly have to look beyond selling products. 'Tech companies are already closer to people's lives today than governments', said Martin Schössler, Managing Partner of CAUSA Consulting. 'Regulators are overwhelmed by the speed with which technology advances.' Companies will have to step up to this new role.

All this seems like a big task. That is why the second keyword of the discussion was cooperation. The experts agreed, that only together can companies tackle the challenges ahead. 'We need a change in mindset', said Christophe Fondrier, Managing Partner of highQ Professional Services. 'We cannot only talk about cooperation, we have to do it. There also needs to be the right infrastructure put in place.' Martin Schössler and Eva Schulz-Kamm stressed, that cooperation is not only needed among companies. 'We also have to work with society and governments to find secure solutions', said Schulz-Kamm.

What are the chances tech companies will embrace these changes in mindset so people can really trust them and their technologies? NXP's Lars Reger ended on an optimistic note: 'The changes are disruptive. Companies will very quickly learn that they can only be successful with cooperation.' And costumers, he said, will also have power by deciding which company they give their money to. 'In the end, only the ethical ones will survive.'

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