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A Social Network Analysis of the Spanish Network of Smart Cities

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  • Ivan Serrano

    (Estudis de Dret i Ciència Política, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Castelldefels, E-08860 Barcelona, Spain
    Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3), Castelldefels, E-08860 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Laura Calvet-Mir

    (Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3), Castelldefels, E-08860 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Ramon Ribera-Fumaz

    (Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3), Castelldefels, E-08860 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Isabel Díaz

    (Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3), Castelldefels, E-08860 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Hug March

    (Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3), Castelldefels, E-08860 Barcelona, Spain
    Estudis d’Economia i Empresa, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, E-08035 Barcelona, Spain)

Abstract

This paper explores the relations of centrality and hierarchy between cities and firms implementing Smart City strategies in the context of the Spanish Network of Smart Cities (RECI). While the literature has usually focused on the global dimension of cities and firms networks, exploring a national case offers interesting insights about the presence of multinational firms in these contexts and the role played by medium-sized cities in their market expansion. The analysis is based on a two-mode network of cities and firms participating in Smart City projects with the usual measures of betweenness, in-degree and closeness, as well as computing the Gini index for each of them to assess the levels of inequality. We then explore whether the structural advantages of participating in these networks have a leveling effect or rather reinforce existing hierarchies of cities. Second, we explore how firms are intertwined in Smart City projects and whether medium-sized local firms have a relevant presence. Our findings suggest these networks become a regional gateway for multinational firms to expand their presence in Smart City national markets, rather than empowering medium-sized cities and small national firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Ivan Serrano & Laura Calvet-Mir & Ramon Ribera-Fumaz & Isabel Díaz & Hug March, 2020. "A Social Network Analysis of the Spanish Network of Smart Cities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:12:p:5219-:d:376767
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Rodríguez Bolívar, Manuel Pedro & Alcaide Muñoz, Laura & Alcaide Muñoz, Cristina, 2023. "Identifying patterns in smart initiatives' planning in smart cities. An empirical analysis in Spanish smart cities," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 196(C).

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    Keywords

    smart cities; Spain; networks; firms;
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