DEMOCRACY IN THE NETWORK SOCIETY: CITIZENSHIP AND POPULAR PARTICIPATION IN THE SMART CITIES CONTEXT

Abstract

Objective: This research aimed to investigate, in the light of theories of democracy, the new possibilities for exercising citizenship and strengthening democracy in the Network Society, as well as popular participation in political decisions in the context of smart cities. Methodology: The work adopted the inductive method, based on a literature review and observation of the phenomena. Results: It was possible to conclude that executing smart city projects does not only mean adhering to information and communication technologies, but also facilitating the connection and involvement of government and citizens, with the intention of co-creating and rebuilding urban communities. Contributions: Focusing on citizens and not simply on technologies, it is possible that ICTs and new technologies, including the IoT, improve the exercise of citizenship in current societies and, in particular, in smart cities.