Citizen participation in the smart city: findings from an international comparative study. Issue 1 (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Przeybilovicz, Erico; Cunha, Maria Alexandra; Geertman, Stan; Leleux, Charles; Michels, Ank; Tomor, Zsuzsanna; Webster, C. William R.; Meijer, Albert
• Is Part Of: Local government studies. Volume 48:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 47
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Smart city -- citizen participation -- urban governance -- dynamic roles -- local government -- international comparative research; Local government -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Local government -- Periodicals; 352.042
• DOI: 10.1080/03003930.2020.1851204
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-3930

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article focuses on understanding the dynamics of citizen participation in smart city initiatives. The literature identifies citizens as key actors, however, our understanding of their roles and influence is underdeveloped. Using modes of urban governance to provide contextual depth, alongside the literature on citizen participation in smart cities, this article conducts an in-depth examination of the roles of citizens. The results of an empirical study of citizen engagement in smart city governance in Brazil, the UK and the Netherlands demonstrate that the roles and functions undertaken by citizens are not static, they participate in a dynamic mode that evolves and changes over time. Also, identifies three emerging patterns of contextually specific citizen interaction: contestation, acceptance and collaboration. This highlights how smart city initiatives have differentiated outcomes and how the mode of governance in a societal and institutional context plays an important role in shaping patterns of citizen participation.