In essence, the concept of smart city is a concept of success, as long as it is correlated with that of smart citizens. It is clear that within the concept the level of intelligence is not measured as the intellectual capacity of the individual, but rather his ability to be proactive, instead of reactive, his level of digital training, participation through various means in decision making.
The administration expects the inclusion of citizens in the life of the city, in decision making, as an integral part of the results achieved by a smart city. Around the world there are cities that develop their own model, starting from the local realities. For example, in Amsterdam, residents are encouraged to promote ideas and initiatives through annual competitions. An example of a winning project of such a competition is the Mobypark application, which allows the owners of parking spaces to rent them for a fee. The data generated by this application can then be used by the city to determine the demand for parking spaces and traffic flows in the city.
Belfast, an industrial, artistic, university and business center and the economic engine of Northern Ireland, has a different approach, albeit essentially similar. The Belfast City Council has adopted a smart city strategy with an approach focused on preparing people for a smart city; in other words, allowing citizens to outline the problems, propose solutions and be the beneficiaries of the results. Belfast as a smart city aims to be more than just a better internet connection, “smart bike” or a fast transport system. He must dream more.
If we look at the example of e-Estonia: digitalization was a real goal of a country, not just a city, and represented more than the technical results. Representatives of Estonia are committed to identifying and solving problems. 99% of public services are now available online to Estonian citizens.
Perhaps the results will not be at all technical or anchored in technology; maybe some of the solutions will make any city a smart and unique city by solving real problems, but not through technology. Only then will he be smart.
Smart Citizen
• Qualification level (CI1)
• Affinity for lifelong learning (CI2)
• Social and ethnic plurality (CI3)
• Creativity and flexibility (CI4)
• Participation in public life (CI5)
