Written by CSIC Senior Research Associate Dr Kwadwo Oti-Sarpong, member of the CSIC Digital Cities for Change team, the blog advocates that embracing a dynamic outlook on digitalization is crucial for the advancement of 'Smart Cities’.
The blog emphasizes the need for a nuanced perspective as global digitalization initiatives expand. It advocates for a departure from narrow technocentric views, urging researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to adopt a more sociological approach in understanding large-scale digital innovations. The shift towards a non-rigid perspective on digitalization for 'smart cities' is seen as a promising avenue for gaining enhanced insights into the complex interconnections involved. The proposed change in viewpoint is deemed essential for informing effective policies, refining practices, and advancing research efforts, especially in addressing societal challenges. The goal is to provide citizens with comprehensive benefits—social, economic, and environmental—through increased digitalization and the establishment of connected places and 'smart cities'. This holistic understanding is considered crucial for navigating the challenges and opportunities inherent in the evolving landscape of digitalization.
Read full blog here.