9 January, 2026

Around the world, digital technologies are accelerating a shift towards more responsive public services, with significant implications for sustainability and efficiency.  

In its 2026 predictions list, Nesta suggests this could be the year the UK embraces demand-led public services enabled by digital tools. This idea isn’t entirely new. Mobile health clinics and travelling libraries have been around for over a century, while Ireland has the “Door-to-Door” service offering pre-booked, flexible public transport to rural communities. What’s new is the speed and scale enabled by real-time data and digital platforms. Real-time feedback allows services to evolve continuously, rather than relying on rigid timetables. 

Shanghai’s “customised” bus network which launched in 2025 is an interesting example. Instead of planners dictating routes, passengers propose them via an online platform. Once enough people request the same route, it launches within days. This demand-led model is designed to reduce unnecessary trips, cut emissions, and make transport more responsive to local need. 

The benefits are clear. In Germany, one town lets residents dim or brighten streetlights via an app, with AI mediating conflicting requests. Local energy consumption has lowered as a result. In Sweden, modular street designs allow cities to test layouts before committing to their installation, reducing costs and waste. These examples show how adaptive infrastructure can help cities use resources more efficiently while improving quality of life. 

However, there are questions to consider. Will digital platforms be accessible to everyone, or could they create barriers for those less comfortable with technology? Could unpredictable timetables make life harder for people who depend on routine? And might sparsely populated areas struggle to meet demand thresholds and risk being left behind? 

So, is 2026 the year the UK embraces this shift? Demand-led design offers a compelling vision: infrastructure that listens, adapts, and delivers efficiency benefits. The real challenge for businesses and local authorities will be designing systems that balance flexibility with equity and reliability, ensuring innovation doesn’t come at the cost of inclusion. 

By Hillevi Fock