Citizen Engagement and Participatory Governance in Smart Cities

EasyChair Preprint 13662

Abstract

As cities worldwide embrace the concept of "smart cities" to leverage technology and data for more efficient and livable urban environments, the role of citizen engagement has become increasingly crucial. This paper examines the evolving landscape of citizen engagement and participatory governance in the context of smart city development.

The study explores a range of digital and in-person strategies employed by smart cities to foster meaningful citizen participation, including e-governance portals, civic engagement apps, online forums, public meetings, neighborhood-level workshops, and collaborative decision-making processes such as participatory budgeting. The analysis highlights the benefits of robust citizen engagement, including improved service delivery, increased transparency and accountability, enhanced civic trust, and more sustainable and inclusive urban development.

However, the paper also identifies several challenges and barriers to effective citizen engagement, such as the digital divide, lack of digital literacy, mistrust in government, and the need to balance diverse stakeholder interests. Drawing on best practice case studies from cities around the world, the paper outlines key considerations and lessons learned to help guide the implementation of successful citizen engagement initiatives in smart city contexts.

The findings underscore the critical importance of placing citizens at the center of smart city initiatives, empowering them as active co-creators and decision-makers in shaping the future of their urban environments. As cities continue to evolve towards greater technological integration, this paper provides valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and civic leaders to foster inclusive, participatory, and people-centric smart city development.

Keyphrases: Governance, Smart, cities

@booklet{EasyChair:13662,
  author    = {Kaledio Potter and Favour Olaoye},
  title     = {Citizen Engagement and Participatory Governance in Smart Cities},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 13662},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2024}}