Smart Cities and Innovation Clusters

Abstract

The issue considered here is the interplay between smart cities (SC) and innovation clusters. Both concepts have been considered independently in the recent decades—in theoretical and applied literature—but few attention has been paid so far to the links between them. The research approach of the paper is a combination of literature review and observation of case studies in Europe. Our approach is strongly influenced by the philosophy of foresight and technology assessment, having in mind the construction of a desired consensual future, not a deterministic technological vision. With this presentation, we particularly aim at the municipal policymakers or managers, and at people involved in technological clusters, research centers, fab labs, living labs, etc.