Recognizing intra-urban disparities in smart cities: An example from Poland (original) (raw)

2021

Abstract

Abstract “Smart, i.e., ICT-enhanced, governance” is one of the key objectives urban authorities seek to implement today. However, a significant cross-country heterogeneity with respect to the perception, implementation, and outcomes of smart governance can be observed. This chapter discusses the application of a smart tool for recognizing neighborhood satisfaction implemented in Lublin (Poland). The chapter also presents broader patterns in “smart city” development in Poland and then specifically in Lublin. In this way, it contributes to the discussion on addressing intra-urban inequalities, seen as a part of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The data was gathered from residents who took part in online voting on participatory budget projects and who were asked to assess the public amenities in their neighborhoods. Given the fact that the participants accounted for 2% of the urban population, the research allows us to recognize differences in neighborhood satisfaction within urban areas—a problem that is difficult to address empirically and thus rarely explored, yet critical in efforts to make urban areas more inclusive and sustainable. The results show that Lublin is not affected by strong spatial inequalities in terms of residential satisfaction with public goods provision, while existing moderate differences concern mainly infrastructure for urban mobility, air quality, and sports facilities and amenities. We identify some spatial patterns in neighborhood satisfaction and compare the results with insights from objective data. We also consider how our tool might contribute to the “smart governance” concept and to the sustainable spatial development of urban areas.

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