SMART CITY PRACTICES: AN EVALUATION THROUGH STOCKHOLM AND BURSA

Abstract

Urban areas are in continuous socio-economic change. The process of change brings about the urban sprawl and population increase. The rapid and uncontrolled urbanization process causes certain problems. Technology is a tool utilized for overcoming social, economic, environmental problems areas and creating livable urban areas. The cities where information communication technologies are used for sustainability and enhancing the quality of life are considered as smart cities. Smart cities are not only developing technological infrastructure but also human, economic, environmental, governance, life, and mobility component are taken into consideration in planning and administration process.
In terms of smart city practices, lighthouse cities that use advanced smart technologies in certain fields and follower cities aiming to enhance practices emerge. One of the approaches for follower cities is investigating good practices of lighthouse cities. In this context, this study set out to make inference for follower cities based on the good practices of lighthouse cities. The samples of the study are Stockholm and Bursa. Qualitative method is employed to investigate practices. Smart city practices of cities are evaluated through smart city strategies, practice and management plans; online and academic resources. The results of this study indicate that Stockholm is a lighthouse city and good example for Bursa. Than suggestions for smart city practices of Bursa are developed.