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Smart cities from scratch? A socio-technical perspective

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  • Luís Carvalho

Abstract

This paper argues that contemporary smart city visions based on ITs (information and tele- communication technologies) configure complex socio-technical challenges that can benefit from strategic niche management to foster two key processes: technological learning and societal embedding. Moreover, it studies the extent to which those processes started to unfold in two paradigmatic cases of smart city pilots ‘from scratch’: Songdo (South Korea) and PlanIT Valley (Portugal). The rationale and potentials of the two pilots as arenas for socio-technical experimentation and global niche formation are analysed, as well as the tensions and bottlenecks involved in nurturing socially rich innovation ecosystems and in maintaining social and political support over time.

Suggested Citation

  • Luís Carvalho, 2015. "Smart cities from scratch? A socio-technical perspective," Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 8(1), pages 43-60.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:cjrecs:v:8:y:2015:i:1:p:43-60.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/cjres/rsu010
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Luís Carvalho & João Bruno Campos, 2013. "Developing the PlanIT Valley: a view on the governance and societal embedding of u-eco city pilots," International Journal of Knowledge-Based Development, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 4(2), pages 109-125.
    2. Rotmans, J., 2005. "Societal Innovation: between dream and reality lies complexity," ERIM Inaugural Address Series Research in Management 7293, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam..
    3. Frank W. Geels, 2005. "Technological Transitions and System Innovations," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 3576.
    4. Gernot Grabher & Oliver Ibert & Saskia Flohr, 2008. "The Neglected King: The Customer in the New Knowledge Ecology of Innovation," Economic Geography, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 84(3), pages 253-280, July.
    5. Sofia T. Shwayri, 2013. "A Model Korean Ubiquitous Eco-City? The Politics of Making Songdo," Journal of Urban Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(1), pages 39-55, January.
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