Date of Award

5-11-2025

Date Published

June 2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Professional Studies

Department

Information Management

Advisor(s)

Scott Bernard

Second Advisor

John Jordan

Keywords

Governance;Internet of things;Smart Cities

Abstract

The arrival of the smart city paradigm represents a significant shift in urban planning, integrating technology and data analytics to enhance urban environments' livability, workability, and sustainability. This thesis explores the critical role that national and local governments play in planning and executing smart city initiatives across a nation state, examining the impacts of policy in such technologically advanced urban spaces. With a multiple case study research design and the use of secondary data it seeks to understand how important national policies are in supporting and influencing the endeavors of local governments in deploying smart city solutions that cater to the unique needs of their communities. Three smart city indices are used as reference points for selecting the case study cities (Zurich, Singapore, Seoul, Philadelphia and Cape Town), which provided an opportunity to consider the extent to which national governance may or may not have influenced their positions on these and other points of reference. Using a mixed methods research design, the results indicate that the policies, strategies, frameworks and levels of engagement by national governments play a major role in determining the success or otherwise of smart city planning and implementation. Based on this, appropriate conclusions are drawn and recommendations made.

Access

Open Access

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