Hyperoptic launched a new industry whitepaper on “The Future of Social Housing”, which studies how smart technologies address acute challenges faced by social housing providers and ensure the future success of the sector. The whitepaper was developed in partnership with the Housing Association Charitable Trust (HACT) and is based on literature review, interviews with fifteen housing organizations, and a survey – provided by Censuswide – of 250+ decision-makers at social housing providers.
The whitepaper studies current challenges faced by social housing providers in light of changes implemented due to the pandemic. Respondents revealed that 63% have faced diminished resources, 57% have experienced an increased demand for services, and 57% endured a reduction in funding.
34% of the social housing decision-makers claimed that the pandemic was the biggest driver for the deployment of smart technologies, followed by enhancing engagement with residents (31%) and tenancy sustainment (31%).
The whitepaper outlined the top smart technologies that social housing leaders plan to deploy in the following year:
- Smart asset monitoring devices (51%)
- Smart thermostats (49%)
- Assisted living technologies (46%)
- Smart fire safety devices (44%)
- Smart meters (38%)
New types of technologies have also been highlighted that social housing providers are working on, offering a wider infrastructure:
- Waste management (50%)
- E-health applications (50%)
- Air quality (48%)
- Online education programs (48%)
Liam McAvoy, MD, Business Development, Hyperoptic: “Society has undergone monumental changes over the last eighteen months, which has fast-tracked the need for social housing providers to rollout digital engagement programs to engage and support tenants. As we move into an era of ‘smart communities’ it’s increasingly important that social housing providers invest in the right technologies that will help them enhance decision-making and tenant quality of life. Our whitepaper gives an exciting glimpse into the future, with insights on the barriers, risks, and opportunities of new technologies, and valuable recommendations on overcoming deployment challenges.”
James Williams, Head of Social Impact, Housing Association Charitable Trust (HACT): “Our goal is that the research we have co-created with Hyperoptic will help social housing providers identify where connected technology can create value, how, and for whom. Having a high-level view of the potential to deliver impact now and in the future is the first step to establishing an informed procurement approach that will invest in the right technology that will solve real issues for residents and communities.”
For more information visit https://www.hyperoptic.com/future-of-social-housing/.
