Why Smart Cities Need Smart Governance?
Published on : Monday 30-03-2020
Today, the world is heading towards the future of cities where everything will be connected, making it easier to deliver efficiency using digital technologies. In this way to make cities smarter and effectively manage society, cities need smart administration and governance. Only through proper management, governments can design and deploy policies that are effective for society at large. However, implementing a successful smart strategy demands a holistic approach that consists of people, institutions, structures, and operations across the connected ecosystem that erect the city or community.
Also, building smart communities requires public officials at all levels of government to analyze and implement the best solutions for their constituents’ most pressing issues. However, this is challenging; whether by default or design, there is a lack of inclusive decision-making. Thus, to pursuit of smart cities must integrate smart governance. Local governments, before investing in advanced technologies, need to consider the actual interests of their residents. In this context, officials must determine the differences between desires and needs. As all citizens need quality education, access to health care, mobility, utilities and security, this is the governments’ accountability to undertake a robust assessment of whether or not a particular smart city solution is addressing the fundamental priorities.
Creating Opportunity
While a city or a community needs transformation, there must be room for experimentation, change and even failure and learning. We all know technology is a key enabler of smart cities and communities. When properly harnessed, it delivers modernization, as well as enable cities to improve the enjoyment of everything that the community values.
The concept of a Smart City stems from the need for an urban concept that can facilitate a sustainable living for its citizens. According to the United States, 53% of the population will live in urban areas by 2050. The main reason behind making cities smarter is to advance the quality of life of citizens. In addition, a smart city also lures investment and creates a sustainable urban environment.
Developed or established countries create their infrastructure based on smart governance and sustainable development. Similarly, if cities will develop on the basis of a smart city model, governments across all regions will leverage e-governance approach to brace democracy, citizen participation and public welfare. Generally, the main goal of smart governance is to make the system more transparent and citizens more informed. Most countries are now implementing e-governance into their regions. For instance, countries like India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, among others making government information digital across all segments. This has even derived many affirmative outcomes and value for citizens.
Smart governance or e-governance simply use Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This involves the use of computers, the internet, telecommunication, digital tools or software for gleaning, processing, sharing and retrieving data. Moreover, a smart city will be smarter when devices, people, businesses and governments must all be able to connect swiftly and securely to share data to enhance daily activities. And this all will be possible via proper administration across all levels.
Undeniably, autonomous technology will have a significant impact on the cities of tomorrow. However, to effectively manage and before investing in this technology which is still in its infancy, city leaders must be explained and demonstrated their use through pilots and public awareness programs.