Beyond confluence, integration and symbiosis: Creating more aware relationships in smart cities

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to explore the grand challenge of human-technology symbiosis in the context of smart cities. A review of the research literature for awareness in relation to the concepts of confluence, integration, and symbiosis in smart cities, enables formulation of a conceptual framework. The methodology for this work consists of an exploratory case study involving the use of survey and in-depth interviews combined with an explanatory correlational design. Data are gathered from diverse individuals in small to medium to large-sized cities across several countries and analysis consists of descriptive statistics for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. This paper is significant because it contributes to the research literature for smart cities; advances a conceptual framework for heightening the realization of human potential in smart urban environments; and highlights the construct of awareness for exploring relationships with sensing, perception, and interaction in smart cities.