The sustainable imperative—smart cities, technology and development

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between the smart city concept and its applications that are heavily technologically focused. Using principles derived from political economy, it denies the “smart city” approach as an idealist/utopian solution to urban problems and focuses on what the smart city is. We also maintain that the smart city cannot be considered an independent force in urbanization. While the benefits of technology are undeniable, such technologies are frequently applied prior to establishing appropriate social and legal controls. We therefore focus on the sociopolitical dimensions of the debate and do this by compounding the smart city ideology with two other social constructs, namely the concept of “sustainable development” on the one hand and “natural capitalism” on the other. In combination, these three ideologies are mutually dependent. They promote a concentration of private capital and are perpetuated as ideological structures focused on capital accumulation rather than equality and social democracy. Following these trends, much research on smart cities appears to be compromised, and a new ethical approach is required. In conclusion, we suggest that the smart city concept and its implementation must realign itself to this objective if democratic principles founded upon social justice are to be promoted.