Smart city: Neoliberal discourse or urban development tool?

Abstract

The relationship between technology and development is addressed in many development discourses. Framed as an impetus to modernisation, progress and economic development, it has generally been seen from a determinist perspective that overstates the progressive qualities of technological innovation. Technologically determinist notions tend towards a top-down approach that favours the ‘if you build it, they will come’ notion of technology-led policy. The ‘smart city’ discourse has not really been considered in the development studies literature, but provides interesting insights into the relationship between cities, technology and social development. Often these initiatives are associated with other objectives, such as improved and more democratic governance as represented by e-governance initiatives. This chapter considers the trajectory of smart city debates and considers whether its social development promises are merely that, marketing language for city ‘potentials’, or does provide a meaningful frame for empowerment and progress.