Using the ecosystem concept in the development of smart cities

Abstract

This article discusses the main aspects of the implementation of the ecosystem concept in smart cities. The author defines the concept of "smart city", identifies its main characteristic features, and provides the evolution of development. The role of the smart city as a center of attraction in the modern economy, smoothing social inequality, providing digital services for all categories of the population, and improving the quality of business processes is emphasized. This study is based on the idea that the ecosystem concept is the most effective approach in the formation and development of smart cities. To prove this thesis, the author used a number of general scientific research methods: analysis, synthesis, classification, categorization, comparison, graphical and tabular methods of presenting information, and others. The ecosystem in this study is considered as one of the most promising forms of organization of innovation activity. The components and structure of the smart city ecosystem are described. The possibilities of applying the ecosystem approach in a smart city are determined. The synergetic effect of the smart city ecosystem in solving emerging problems is shown. A smart city is considered as a point of innovative growth, the economic indicators of which are significantly higher in quantitative and qualitative terms compared to an ordinary city that does not have the characteristics inherent in a smart city. The author concludes that a smart city is a complex ecosystem of people, processes, policies, technologies and other factors working together to achieve results. Successful and sustainable smart cities use a programmatic approach to engage stakeholders across the ecosystem.