Global challenges such as climate change, increasing social inequality, and security are increasingly being addressed through the use of digital technologies. Digitalization opens up opportunities to strengthen societal values and has the potential to address these challenges, but it also poses a huge challenge for key players like local administrations. Lack of resources and competencies is an increasing problem, as are ethical issues. In this context, the concept of the Smart City gains particular importance, as demonstrated by the EU mission for climate-neutral and intelligent cities. The shift towards intelligent, interconnected cities goes beyond mere digitalization of services and aims for a more efficient, greener, and socially integrative city. This development also intensifies the debate about the potentials and applications, as well as the limits of digital trends like data-driven governance, blockchain, and AI in the public sector.
Public administrations play a crucial role in creating the necessary framework conditions to make cities more efficient, sustainable, and livable. Especially in the context of climate change and ongoing urbanization, it is crucial to intelligently network urban infrastructure while considering ecological, social, and economic aspects simultaneously. This includes smart traffic management, energy-efficient building management, or improved provision of public services. A key aspect of this development is the close cooperation between various actors at local, national, and international levels. Cities, businesses, research institutions, and civil society must join forces to develop innovative solutions that meet the diverse challenges of the present and future.
At the same time, ethical questions must be considered when deploying digital solutions. Handling large amounts of data from various sources such as sensors, mobility services, or social media presents new challenges to all stakeholders. Protecting the privacy of citizens and the security of data must be ensured to build trust in digital systems and solutions.
The goal of this track is to present and further develop current and innovative research on the complex of topics “Smart Cities & Digital Government” from various disciplinary approaches and research methodological perspectives. The focus is on how integrated, intelligent urban development can shape a sustainable and equitable future. The track is aimed at scholars from the fields of business informatics, administrative sciences, urban planning, and adjacent disciplines who want to bring new perspectives and solutions to the development of digital administration and smart cities.
Track chairs
Dr. Bettina Distel
Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development
AEs
- Caroline Fischer, Universität Twente, Niederlande
- Constantin Houy, Universität des Saarlandes
- Hendrik Scholta, Deutsche Universität für Verwaltungswissenschaften Speyer
- Sara Hofmann, Universität Agder, Norwegen
- Thomas Kreuzer, Universität Bayreuth
- Vera Spitzer, Universität Koblenz
- Christian Anschütz, FernUniversität Hagen
- Gabriela Viale Pereira, Universität für Weiterbildung Krems, Österreich
- Kristina Lemmer, Hochschule Bremen
- Sebastian Halsbenning, Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung, Fachbereich Finanzen
- Thomas Lampholtshammer, Universität für Weiterbildung Krems, Österreich
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