What can cities, such as San Diego and New Orleans, do to ensure they are being sufficiently innovative for the future, while at the same time, taking care of their citizens now? What must they do?

In many respects, that seems to be the thrust of the efforts being made by Chelsea Collier, founder of Digi.City, who was in New Orleans this week and who sponsored a program involving city officials, the private sector and young entrepreneurs.

Forgive me, but, I think I’m coming down with a bad case of Future Shock. At least, after discussing technology and digital cities with Chelsea Collier, the founder of Digi.City, I am somewhat in awe as to how far along the way other cities and countries are in making themselves smarter, more efficient, more Internet driven.