Smart Communities and Community Empowerment for Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

The development of urban systems towards smart cities encourages the existence of smart communities as well. Smart communities are influenced by social developments in the community, which is dynamic and influenced by society and individuals' social level. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the use of social capital in building a smart society. This article uses the qualitative method analysis which is a literature study of 18 documents. Based on the literature study, the use of social capital in the community can encourage community empowerment activities because trust and a cooperative attitudes are built among residents. This will affect the habits and activities of individuals in society, such as the development process of protecting the environment. Increasing empowerment activities will help accelerate the process of developing a smart community. Therefore, social capital is essential in the development of smart communities and smart cities.