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How Transboundary Learning Occurs: Case Study of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN)

Author

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  • Si-Ying Tan

    (Leadership Institute for Global Health Transformation (LIGHT), Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore)

  • Araz Taeihagh

    (Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, Singapore 259771, Singapore)

  • Kritika Sha

    (Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, Singapore 259771, Singapore)

Abstract

While policy study of smart city developments is gaining traction, it falls short of understanding and explaining knowledge transfers across national borders and cities. This article investigates how transboundary learning occurs through the initiation and development of a regional smart cities network: the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN). The article conducts an in-depth case study from data collected through key informant interviews and document analysis. Spearheaded by Singapore in 2017, ASCN is seen as a soft power extension for Singapore, a branding tool for ASEAN, and a symbiotic platform between the private sector and governments in the region. Most transboundary knowledge transfers within the ASCN are voluntary transfers of policy ideas. Effective branding, demand for knowledge, availability of alternative funding options, enthusiasm from the private actors, and heightened interest from other major economies are highlighted as facilitators of knowledge transfer. However, the complexity of governance structures, lack of political will and resources, limited policy capacity, and lack of explicit operational and regulatory mechanisms hinder transboundary learning. The article concludes that transboundary learning should go beyond exchanges of ideas and recommends promoting facilitators of knowledge transfer, building local policy capacity, encouraging collaborative policy transfer, and transiting from an information-sharing platform to tool/instrument-based transfer.

Suggested Citation

  • Si-Ying Tan & Araz Taeihagh & Kritika Sha, 2021. "How Transboundary Learning Occurs: Case Study of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:11:p:6502-:d:570495
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    References listed on IDEAS

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