Defining the readiness for smart city concept: Russian municipalities study

Abstract

The chapter seeks to address the Russian municipalities experience in "smart cities" concept implementation. In this chapter the specific expert assessment method is used to prove that digitalization outcomes of urban settlements are contingent on the management efficiency of the digital transition at the regional and municipal levels. The data obtained points out that the evidence of formalized indicators in the management systems work demonstrating digital rate and coherence of digital agenda objectives and targets, and organizational and budget resources ascertains the overall country-level readiness for the realization of the smart cities concept as a practical matter. Based on the results, such measures as the adoption of key "smart city" strategies and the establishment of specialized organizational structures, raising the interest of the city mayors in these transformations, are suggested to provide higher readiness for the concept implementation at the municipal level. The findings are of direct practical relevance for state and municipal authorities, audit and consulting firms, analytical groups, and technology companies.