ABSTRACT

This article aims to assess critically different definitions and indicators of smart cities. Drawing on exemplary case studies, the author proposes a typology of four categories of smart cities: type A are the world leaders who pioneer ideas not predicated on smart city projects; type B are aspirational cities punching above their weight; type C are surprise transformers that use the smart city concept to propel real transformation; and type D are cases where smart city projects do not directly address the main urban problems. The discussion highlights the need to prevent ‘smart-wash’ by avoiding superficial technological solutions that chase symptoms but not causes of some of the complex urban challenges that they are intending to address. In conclusion, the author considers the public policy implications of applying these typologies to cities in general with particular reference to the Global South.

摘要

本文旨在评估智能城市的不同定义和指标。借助示例性案例研究，作者提出了四类智慧城市的类型学：A型是世界领导人，他们开创了并非基于智慧城市项目的想法；B型是志向高超的志向城市；C型是使用智慧城市概念推动真正转型的惊喜变压器。D型是智慧城市项目不能直接解决主要城市问题的情况。讨论着重指出，有必要通过避免采用肤浅的技术解决方案来防止“聪明冲刷”，这些技术解决方案会追寻症状，而不是造成其打算解决的一些复杂的城市挑战的根源。综上所述，