Smart cities use information and communication technologies (ICT), smart technologies and open data to build places that are efficient, improve economic growth and improve the quality of life of its citizens.
They're usually characterized by tech-forward infrastructure, greentech, mobility as a service, and effective urban planning. Most agree that there are three pillars of smart cities: environmental, economic and social sustainability, and each is equally important.
What is social sustainability in smart cities?
The social sustainability aspect of smart cities — an area that's largely neglected — spotlights residents' quality of life, human rights, and a just and inclusive society, regardless of economic, race, gender, sex or abilities. Social sustainability involves locals to engage, make decisions and act for their and the greater good.
Smart cities should encourage human interaction and help communities get together and connect on social, cultural, environmental and political issues. Of course, smart techs like blockchain and Web3 will be essential in facilitating this connection and collaboration by bringing trust and transparency to the process. Decentralized platforms (like Rabble) will play a critical role in amplifying engagement, interaction, and sociability.
But technology is only the tool that will empower locals to take action, like city planning, policies, politics, and the future. The priority of social sustainability is social and climate justice.
As businesses and governments focus on building smart cities, they must integrate social sustainability into their plans by allowing residents to evaluate and vote on decisions and make their own suggestions. A smart city needs a platform where residents, businesses, entrepreneurs, authorities and activists can collaborate and co-create.
Why is it critical to integrate social sustainability in smart cities?
Investors, innovators and governments are increasingly drawn to smart city initiatives thanks to their economic and environmental promise. The global smart cities market size was $1.2 trillion in 2022 and will grow at a CAGR of 25.8% from 2023 to 2030.1
Open data, emerging technologies like blockchain, Web3, and AI hold the promise of tackling complex urban problems, from traffic congestion to public transportation accessibility. Often, proponents of smart cities cite economic development and better urban operations as benefits. However, many fail to acknowledge the impact of social sustainability in smart cities.
If this over-emphasis on smart tech and economic benefits continues at the cost of the social component, smart cities will only deepen existing social and environmental problems. In social sustainability, inclusion and equity are integral, especially when it comes to civic engagement and participation.
The driving force behind smart cities is sustainability, which requires social inclusion as much as economic development or environmental protection. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call to end inequity in all forms, from poor access to healthcare to discrimination. If smart cities don’t consider social sustainability, they risk harming current and future generations.
At the same time, economic sustainability is not just for a select few but needs to be inclusive and long-term. This means eradicating gender pay gaps, providing equal opportunities for differently-abled people, and providing equal pay for work of equal value.
Only by engaging and involving residents can smart cities respond to the social, economic and environmental needs of everyone and thus, building a more equitable, inclusive, and smart community.
Rabble is a blockchain-enabled platform empowering individuals to work collaboratively in their local communities and take collective action — and rewards their work. Rabble can activate the social sustainability aspect of smart cities by enabling residents and brands to take action in their local communities to create safe, inclusive, diverse and environmentally-sustainable spaces.
Smart city residents become community stakeholders and leaders by taking action, no matter how small, and by working together, their efforts are amplified. Learn more about Rabble and how you can join in.
Source:
- https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/smart-cities-market
- https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-smart-cities-and-society/scs210123
- https://smartcitysweden.com/focus-areas/social-sustainability/
- https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjv1tHz19X8AhWBaGwGHeUlC1sQFnoECDAQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcyberleninka.org%2Farticle%2Fn%2F296162.pdf&usg=AOvVaw2MyR0ELtE-f_LVKrqfAA1K
- https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/18/7579
