Resilient Framework for Managing a Pandemic in a Smart City

Abstract

Smart cities represent a substantial opportunity for city leaders and decision-makers to effectively manage the unprecedented challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented, with the lessons learnt helping to prepare for any future outbreaks. This study is based on transition theory. It explores the three stages of transition, “before,” “during,” and “after” as a continuous loop as people move into the transition, through the transition, and out of the transition. This study explores how strategies and technologies have facilitated and enabled knowledge management during the COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing city resilience during the three periods (“before,” “during,” and “after”) of transition in smart city. The methodological approach for this study was a qualitative design. First, a systematic literature review was undertaken, followed by two focus groups with smart city leaders and key stakeholders. The findings were then validated via focused semi-structured interviews. The study proposed a “resilience framework for managing COVID-19 pandemic in smart cities.” The findings indicate that smart technologies have enabled the creation of a knowledge base of best and worst practices, lessons learned documents, patient case stories, smart technology use cases, policy documents, and performance reports.