Exploring Smart Cities, Blockchain, and Responsible AI: A Conversation with Michael Glavich
In this interview, I had the opportunity to sit down with Michael Glavich, a highly experienced technology leader with a diverse background in blockchain, smart cities, and responsible AI. Michael’s career spans over a decade, where he has held various roles focusing on emerging technologies and their real-world applications. He has advised governments and organizations on how to integrate these technologies to enhance urban planning, governance, and economic growth.
Michael’s current focus is on leveraging blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to build smarter, more sustainable cities. His extensive experience in both the private and public sectors gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of policy, technology, and innovation.
Blockchain and Smart Cities: Redefining Urban Development
Al Leong: Michael, you’ve been deeply involved in smart cities and blockchain for a while now. Can you share how blockchain fits into the concept of smart cities and why it’s important?
Michael Glavich: Absolutely. Blockchain brings transparency, efficiency, and security to smart city infrastructures. A city runs on an enormous amount of data — from traffic management to utilities and public services. The challenge has always been securely managing that data in a way that promotes trust between all stakeholders. Blockchain’s decentralized ledger technology allows us to track and verify transactions in real time, whether it’s managing energy grids, waste management systems, or even voter registration. It offers a higher level of accountability because everything is traceable, which is crucial when dealing with public trust in urban infrastructure.
Al Leong: It sounds like it’s the perfect solution for urban transparency. Could you give an example where blockchain has already been successfully implemented in a smart city?
Michael Glavich: One notable example is Dubai. They’ve been working on becoming a fully blockchain-enabled city. They aim to have all government transactions processed on blockchain by 2025. This includes everything from licensing to visas, and it drastically cuts down on time and administrative costs while increasing security. That’s the direction many cities are looking to go — becoming more agile and responsive to the needs of their citizens by using blockchain as a foundational technology.
The Role of AI in Shaping Smart Cities
Al Leong: You’ve also worked extensively with AI. How does AI integrate into the smart city framework alongside blockchain?
Michael Glavich: AI is essential for the predictive analytics that smart cities require. It can process vast amounts of data and provide insights that humans alone wouldn’t be able to spot. For instance, AI can help manage traffic flow in real time by analyzing patterns and predicting congestion before it happens. Combine that with blockchain, and you’ve got a secure, efficient system that isn’t just reactive but proactive. AI can help cities become more efficient in terms of energy use, public safety, and resource allocation.
Al Leong: That’s fascinating. However, with all these advancements, there are also concerns about the ethical use of AI. How do you ensure that AI is used responsibly in the context of smart cities?
Michael Glavich: That’s a critical question. The key is to have robust governance frameworks in place. Cities must ensure that they are collecting data ethically, that there’s transparency in how the data is being used, and that citizens are informed and can opt-out if they choose. Another important factor is that AI should be designed with fairness in mind. It shouldn’t discriminate or reinforce biases in areas like law enforcement or public services. We also need to ensure that the technology remains under human control, with proper oversight mechanisms to avoid unintended consequences.
Navigating the Challenges of Smart City Implementation
Al Leong: What are some of the challenges cities face when trying to implement smart city solutions, particularly when it comes to blockchain and AI?
Michael Glavich: One of the biggest challenges is the legacy infrastructure that most cities have. You can’t just overhaul an entire city’s systems overnight. Cities have to integrate these new technologies into systems that may be decades old. Another challenge is data privacy and cybersecurity. With more connected devices and sensors gathering data across a city, there are more entry points for potential cyberattacks. Blockchain helps mitigate some of these risks because of its inherent security, but it’s not a cure-all. There’s also the issue of regulation. Governments are still figuring out how to regulate blockchain and AI in urban environments, and that process takes time.
Al Leong: It seems like regulation often lags behind technology. Do you think there’s a risk that smart city initiatives could stall because of regulatory hurdles?
Michael Glavich: Definitely, but I think we’re moving in the right direction. It’s about finding a balance. Too much regulation can stifle innovation, but too little can lead to misuse or unintended consequences. It’s a delicate dance. That’s why ongoing dialogue between governments, technologists, and citizens is so important. We need to make sure that regulation is keeping pace with technological advancements without hindering progress.
Responsible AI and the Future of Smart Cities
Al Leong: You’ve mentioned responsible AI several times. In your view, what does a “responsible AI” look like in the future of smart cities?
Michael Glavich: Responsible AI is about transparency, fairness, and accountability. It’s making sure the systems we build are explainable, that they don’t reinforce societal biases, and that they are built with inclusivity in mind. As smart cities grow, the role of AI will expand, but it should always be seen as a tool for human empowerment, not a replacement. We need to ensure that as cities become more automated, we don’t lose the human element.
Al Leong: That’s a really thoughtful approach. I’ve seen in my career how technology can sometimes create unintended barriers if not properly managed. So, ensuring it’s built with human-centric principles is key.
Final Thoughts and the Road Ahead
Al Leong: Michael, what’s next for you? Where do you see the future of smart cities and blockchain going in the next few years?
Michael Glavich: I think we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible. Blockchain and AI are going to continue to transform the way cities operate. What excites me most is the potential for these technologies to create more equitable, sustainable urban environments. We’ll see a lot more partnerships between public and private sectors and more pilot projects, and eventually, these systems will become part of everyday life for many people. Personally, I’m focused on continuing to advise cities and organizations on how they can implement these technologies in a way that benefits all citizens, not just a select few.
Al Leong: That sounds like an exciting path forward. Thank you for sharing your insights, Michael. It’s been a pleasure talking to you and learning more about the incredible potential of blockchain and AI in shaping our cities of the future.
Conclusion
My conversation with Michael Glavich revealed the immense potential of blockchain and AI in creating more intelligent, more efficient cities. Michael’s thoughtful approach to integrating these technologies while maintaining ethical governance and a focus on sustainability is a powerful message for urban planners, governments, and technologists alike.
If you’d like to connect with Michael Glavich or learn more about his work, you can reach him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/michael-glavich.
