Assessing smart city projects and their implications for public policy in the Global South

Abstract

This article aims to assess critically different definitions and indicators of smart cities. Drawing on exemplary case studies, the author proposes a typology of four categories of smart cities: type A are the world leaders who pioneer ideas not predicated on smart city projects; type B are aspirational cities punching above their weight; type C are surprise transformers that use the smart city concept to propel real transformation; and type D are cases where smart city projects do not directly address the main urban problems. The discussion highlights the need to prevent ‘smart-wash’ by avoiding superficial technological solutions that chase symptoms but not causes of some of the complex urban challenges that they are intending to address. In conclusion, the author considers the public policy implications of applying these typologies to cities in general with particular reference to the Global South