Development of Human Capital in Russian “Smart” Cities: Networks and ‘Living labs’

Abstract

The article deals with the problems and opportunities of development of human capital in Russian “smart” cities. The formation of the digital economy involves new skills, knowledge and competencies associated with the use of new technologies. The high level of human capital is becoming particularly important in “smart” cities, where the introduction of digital technologies into the management system creates various exchange, control and regulation networks that ensure the self-organisation of urban management systems and the optimisation of the environment. The development of human capital becomes possible by choosing the most effective organisational solutions that would ensure access of residents to new technologies and infrastructure and create opportunities for cooperation between city authorities, residents, scientific and technical institutions and business. One of the most effective solutions is the creation of living labs — open innovation systems that provide cooperation of stakeholders, access of residents to new technologies, exchange of skills and experience, implementation of interdisciplinary projects, creation of grassroots innovations, and integration of educational and research activities. In Russia, centres of innovative youth creativity, technoparks, innovation clusters can be used to create living laboratories in “smart” cities. Сenters of innovative youth creativity is the most successful and perspective way to realise the living labs format. In this centres it is possible to build stable connections between the residents and various stakeholders, and provide development of intelligent systems focused on solving problems of urban governance. However, their development requires overcoming such issues as the coordination of the activities of various stakeholders, uneven territorial distribution of organisational opportunities, promotion of interdisciplinary research and development.