A Conceptual Framework to Manage Social Risks for Smart City Development Programs

Abstract

AbstractThe transition from a traditional city to a smart city is a complex process. Smart city programs have substantial impacts on the everyday lives of individuals and local communities. These effects can convert to social risks with various external indications, such as public opposition to smart city programs. Although there are several generic risk management frameworks at the project and organizational levels, there is insufficient progress to utilize risk management to control social risks in smart city transformation programs. Furthermore, the transition to a smart city is a fundamental social and cultural change, and this requires a changed management process to render a smooth transition socially. Indeed, the integration of risk and change management processes to mitigate social risks has rarely been researched. Thus, this research adopted an extensive literature review for risk and change management processes to develop a conceptual social risk management framework for smart city transition. The proposed framework is validated by interviews with government officials leading smart city transitions in South Australia. It is revealed that the current risk assessment process focuses more on cost and time effectiveness, and there is not enough social risk assessment for those who are vulnerable to follow the transition. It is also revealed that the ADKAR and Kubler change curve can potentially add value to a smooth transition by encouraging and enlightening society socially. This research is expected to provide a potential guideline for government or relevant professionals to achieve effective smart city transition focusing on social risks.KeywordsSmart cityRiskRisk managementChange managementSocial risk