Characterizing the Role of Governments in Smart Cities: A Literature Review

Abstract

The growth of smart cities is forcing governments to think the need to advance in the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for the improvement of the citizenry’s participation in decision-making processes, the increasing efficiency of public services, and the improvement of transparency and accountability. In this regard, governments in smart cities are called to play a key role in promoting and managing these cities. Based on prior research, this chapter seeks to analyze the role of governments in smart cities, trying to identify different patterns of management styles in these cities. Also, differences between theoretical and empirical studies about the role of governments in smart cities are identified proposing new research themes for the future.