Who is lacking in the smart city project? Analysing gaps in smart city inclusion

• In Event: Smart and civil? Civil Society role in the Context of Technological Smart City Developments

Abstract

In the ever-evolving landscape of smart cities, where technology and data-driven innovations promise a brighter urban future, exists a lurking concern: the risk of exclusion. While these urban utopias aim to enhance the lives of city dwellers, a closer examination reveals that specific groups may find themselves on the outskirts, denied access to the benefits or marginalized in the process.

At the forefront of this dilemma is the digital divide (Norris, 2001). It is a chasm that separates those with robust internet connectivity and digital literacy from those who lack access or proficiency. In a smart city, the digital divide can become increasingly painful, with those on the wrong side struggling to partake in the services and opportunities the city offers (Engelbert et al., 2019).

Often discussed group vulnerable to exclusion in the smart city realm is the elderly population. Those who are not tech-savvy can find themselves overwhelmed by the array of digital interfaces that govern smart cities. Accessing essential services such as healthcare, transportation, or even simple communication may prove to be an ordeal, especially as it requires access to smartphone or up-to-date software. However, we should also reflect on the dimension of exclusion that are relevant for so called digital natives - young generation heavily involved with technologies and yet invisible in smart cities policies and solutions.

In this paper we take a closer look at different aspects of "smart exclusion" (Willis, 2019) including age and gender related ones, as well as socio-economic and educational disparities. We also point out that in the push for smartification, people with disabilities must not be left behind. Already, those with mobility issues or visual impairments might face hurdles when trying to navigate the smart city's interactive kiosks, public transportation, or digital interfaces. We also highlight that the web of smart exclusion entangles minority and marginalized groups. Whether it's racial and ethnic minorities or LGBTQ+ communities, these groups may find themselves at a disadvantage in terms of data collection, surveillance, or resource allocation, limiting their access to equitable services. Similarly, in culturally diverse cities, language barriers can create walls of exclusion. Smart city services and information primarily available in English or local language can alienate foreigners, making it difficult for them to access services and information.

Addressing this multi-faceted issue of exclusion in smart cities necessitates a forward-thinking, comprehensive approach. It calls for city planners, policymakers, and technology developers to proactively identify and mitigate these sources of exclusion. The digital divide must be bridged, accessibility improved, systemic biases addressed, and privacy concerns taken into account (Rychwalska et al., 2022). Only fully inclusive smart city development may enhance urban living, while championing the principle that technology should unite rather than divide. This perspective reinforces the idea that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, should be able to reap the rewards of a smarter, more connected city. However, without addressing digital divide and privacy related concerns, those positive aspects easily lead to negative social consequences as observed worldwide today.

References:
Engelbert, J., Van Zoonen, L., & Hirzalla, F. (2019). Excluding citizens from the European smart city: The discourse practices of pursuing and granting smartness. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 142, 347-353.
Norris, P. (2001). Digital divide: Civic engagement, information poverty, and the Internet worldwide. Cambridge university press.
Rychwalska, A., Roszczyńska-Kurasińska, M., Domaradzka, A. (2022). Right to Privacy in the Context of the Privacy Paradox and Data Collection Patterns. In Proceedings of the 55th HICSS.
Willis, K. S. (2019). Whose right to the smart city?. In The right to the smart city (pp. 27-41). Emerald Publishing Limited.

Author

• Agata Żbikowska, University of Warsaw