Smart city rhetoric stresses both citizens’ well-being and urban efficiency; however, critical perspectives suggest a worsening of existing societal inequalities for less-productive citizens, posing implications for how urban planners should incorporate smart technology. The researchers examined the perceptions of elderly residents regarding Singapore’s Smart Nation implementation in their communities. The elderly find that technological advancements deepen existing divides and suggest that true participation and social relationships are required for successful adoption of urban smart systems. The researchers provided commentary on the tensions created between
a. productivity and efficiency as goals of the smart nation, and
b. the inclusion and participation of older citizens in urban planning decisions.
Reflective Analysis
The two concepts are interconnected, and provide a fresh new insight into my research framework, as social inequalities can have a significant impact on urban efficiency. For example, areas with high levels of poverty and limited access to education and job opportunities may also have poor infrastructure and limited access to transportation. This can lead to a lack of mobility and difficulty accessing essential services, which can in turn perpetuate the cycle of poverty and inequality.
Source
Chib, A., Alvarez, K., & Todorovic, T. (2021). Critical perspectives on the smart city: Efficiency objectives vs inclusion ideals. Journal of Urban Technology, 29(4), 83–99. https://doi.org/10.1080/10630732.2021.2001712
