The Role of Citizens in the Development of Smart Cities

democracy is measured not by its government doing extraordinary things but by its citizens doing things extraordinarily well

John Gardner, a renowned social reformer, once said, 'Democracy is measured not by its government doing extraordinary things but by its citizens doing things extraordinarily well.' This quote embodies the importance of individual participation and civic engagement in shaping the fabric of society. In the context of smart cities, the role of citizens is not just passive but active and influential.

Defining Smart Citizens

Smart citizens are the backbone of a successful smart city. These are individuals who are informed, engaged, and proactive in their interaction with urban environments. For a city to thrive, its citizens must possess a strong sense of civic duty and a respect for the law, which are prerequisites for sustainable development.

India's ambitious smart cities mission, which has allotted 6450 crores Rs for the fiscal year 2020-21, aims to benefit the citizens of the nation. However, this investment will be in vain if citizens do not utilize it sustainably. The ultimate goal is not just development but also the creation of a vibrant, participatory, and intelligent urban community.

The Importance of Smart Citizens

The sustainable development goals (SDG-11 and SDG-12) cannot be achieved without the active participation of smart and informed citizens. These goals emphasize the need for safe and inclusive human settlements as well as sustainable consumption for future generations. Citizens play a crucial role in ensuring that these goals are met.

Furthermore, citizens are the most vocal critics of governance, and their participation is essential for the health of the democratic fabric of any country. As noted by george mason, 'A state is nothing but a reflection of its citizens: The more decent the citizens the more decent the state.' This underscores the importance of fostering a community of responsible and informed citizens.

Creating Smart Citizens

To achieve these goals, smart cities must be well-equipped with citizen-centric policies focused on areas such as education and health. The ultimate aim is to create and sustain a population of smart citizens over the long term. Here are some key steps that can be taken to achieve this:

Components of a Smart Citizen

The formation of a new concept as a smart citizen is vital. With the growth of technology and the unique structure of cities, citizens equipped with communication and information technologies can work together as a network. This means the birth of a new space with connected citizens!

Perhaps if Marshall McLuhan had been alive now, he would be surprised that his Marconi galaxy has evolved into the universe of the Internet, forming what Asimov referred to in his books as the galaxy of interconnected citizens. Every citizen needs these elements to play a role in this new stream of globalization and smartness:

Areas for Citizen Participation

Participate in Smart Learning: Engage in education and lifelong learning opportunities to understand the technologies and processes that make smart cities possible. Harmony with the City: Work towards a harmonious relationship with the urban environment, involving community participation in city planning and development. Participate in Good Governance: Engage in local governance and hold elected officials accountable, fostering transparency and efficiency in government. Facilitate the Pervasiveness of the Smart City: Use technology and smart urban apps and software to enhance the functionality and reach of smart city initiatives. Say Welcome to the Perception and Sense of Urban Smartness: Develop a keen awareness and appreciation for the technological advancements and innovative solutions in urban environments. Targeted Drowning in the World of Technology-based Networking: Utilize digital tools and platforms for networking and collaboration to enhance community engagement. Learn to Work with Smart Urban Apps and Software: Familiarize yourself with smart city applications and systems to leverage their benefits effectively. Establish a Green Space in a Personal Environment: Create and maintain green spaces in your personal environment to promote sustainability. The Exploitation of Renewable Energy in the Home Environment: Utilize renewable energy sources to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable urban living. Study and Experience Digital Technologies at the Home Individual and Family Level: Engage in hands-on experience with digital technologies to understand their impact on daily life. Sharing Opinions with Smart City Agents: Share your feedback and opinions with city officials and smart city agents to improve services and urban living. Utilize Services and Use Them to Fix Bugs: Take advantage of the services provided by smart cities and use them to identify and report issues that need resolution. Engage in Smart City Processes and Feedback to City Officials: Participate in decision-making processes and provide constructive feedback to improve the effectiveness of smart city initiatives. Responsibility for the Transition to a New Era of Urbanism: Take responsibility for the transition to a more intelligent and sustainable urban living mode. Involve Children and Adolescents in Smart City Trends: Educate young people about smart city concepts and encourage them to participate in smart city initiatives. Creating a Digital Civil Society: Foster a digital civil society where citizens can engage in meaningful and productive interactions online and offline. Interaction, Interaction, and Interaction with New World Process: Embrace the interconnectedness of the world and actively participate in the processes that shape smart cities.

A Futurist’s Vision

Futurist Esmaeil Rahimi has envisioned a world where citizens are not just passive recipients but active participants in the development and evolution of smart cities. This vision includes policies that focus on education, health, and community engagement.

Ultimately, the success of smart cities depends on the active role of its citizens. By fostering a community of informed, engaged, and responsible citizens, we can create cities that are not just technologically advanced but also socially sustainable and equitable.