Shaping an alternative smart city discourse through Twitter: Amsterdam and the role of creative migrants. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Monachesi, Paola
• Is Part Of: Cities. Volume 100(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Smart city -- Creative skilled migrants -- Social media -- Communication -- Social network analysis -- Amsterdam; City planning -- Periodicals; Urban policy -- Periodicals; 711.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2020.102664
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-2751

Abstract

Abstract: Smart urbanism is driven by a discourse promoting technological solutions for urban problems often neglecting social needs. The aim of this paper is to identify signs of an alternative smart city discourse in the communication of creative skilled migrants active in The Netherlands. We employ a language analysis of the (geo-tagged) Twitter data in combination with a social network analysis. We show that creative migrants contribute to the smart city discourse by relating technology to common good. They broadcast globally information about innovative projects, social initiatives and environmental issues, setting the basis for the experimental city. We conclude that a social media analysis, based on the innovative methodology proposed, provides valuable knowledge that can inform urban planners on a more socially driven use of (digital) technology in the development of smart cities. Highlights: Identified signs of an alternative smart city discourse in the communication of creative skilled migrants . Focus on communication and social interactions of creative skilled migrants active in the Netherlands Innovative methodology combines a language analysis with a visualization of the communication patterns through SNA Creative skilled migrants contribute to the smart city narrative by relating technology to common good Social media analysis can inform urban planners on a more socially driven use of (digital) technology in smart cities