Smart Cities: Technologically advanced but socially disconnected?

The rapid emergence of smart cities around the world is undoubtedly transforming urban landscapes. The integration of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data promises to make cities more efficient, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of their populations. However, amidst this technological revolution, a pressing question arises: are we at risk of creating cities that are technologically advanced but socially disconnected? 

While the vision of smart cities is to improve the quality of urban life, there is a growing concern that the human dimension of urban living – community engagement, social cohesion, and inclusivity – may be neglected in favour of cutting-edge infrastructure and efficiency. For a smart city to truly succeed, it must be more than a hub of technological innovation. It must foster active engagement and participation from the communities it serves. 

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A brief history of smart cities 

Smart cities are not a new concept, having gained traction in the early 2000s as urban populations surged and technological advancements made new ways of managing city life possible. Cities such as Singapore, Amsterdam, and Barcelona have become benchmarks for smart city initiatives, while more ambitious forthcoming projects, like NEOM and specifically The Line in Saudi Arabia, aim to redefine urban living altogether. 

Cities such as Singapore, Amsterdam and Barcelona employ a vast network of interconnected technologies to optimise everything from public transport to energy consumption. Yet, despite the promise of a streamlined and efficient urban experience, a growing body of evidence suggests that these cities are not living up to their potential when it comes to engaging with their residents. 

The missing link is community engagement 

At the core of the smart city vision is the goal of improving the everyday experiences of urban dwellers. However, our research on community engagement in smart cities highlights significant gaps in how these tech cities engage with the very people they are meant to serve. Without a concerted effort to involve local communities, smart cities may become disconnected from the lives of ordinary citizens. 

Public awareness and involvement in smart city initiatives are often lacking – let alone the ability for people to come together and form friendship, cultural, business and interest groups. In fact, many residents are unaware that technology platform-based smart city programmes are being rolled out in their areas at all, or how these developments will impact their lives. For example, a survey conducted in Long Beach, California, revealed that 60% of respondents had never even heard the term "smart city”. Without sufficient communication, citizens may see technology-led initiatives as distant, top-down endeavours, rather than opportunities to actively shape the future of their urban environments. 

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Cultural considerations and local needs come first 

An important aspect of community engagement that is often overlooked in smart city planning is the need to align with local cultures and societal norms. Research conducted for Realm emphasises that in regions such as Saudi Arabia, where cultural values are deeply embedded in daily life, newly built international teams working on smart cities must take these factors into account if they are to succeed. The designs of public spaces, for instance, must consider local customs, such as the extent to which gender separations are the norm, and reflect the centrality of family life in Saudi society. 

Failure to recognise these nuances risks creating cities that, while technologically advanced, feel alien or disconnected from the cultural fabric of their residents. Smart cities must also include in their developing communities the needs of their ever-more diverse populations – including women, elderly people, and people with disabilities – or they risk leaving these groups behind. 

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The Digital Divide is an emerging challenge 

Smart cities rely heavily on digital platforms to facilitate interaction between citizens and city services. However, the research draws attention to the significant disparities in digital literacy that exist within many urban populations. In Saudi Arabia, where smart city projects form a central part of the Vision 2030 agenda, digital engagement is high among younger, urban populations, but older generations and rural communities may struggle to navigate these new technologies. 

This digital divide presents a significant barrier to the full realisation of smart city projects. For smart cities to be inclusive, efforts must be made to improve digital literacy across all sectors of society. Without targeted interventions, a large proportion of the population risks being excluded from the benefits of these technological community advances, leading to further social disconnection. 

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Addressing privacy concerns

Trust between citizens and the technology that underpins smart cities is essential for fostering engagement. However, as the research highlights, concerns around data privacy and security often hinder public trust. Smart cities depend on the collection and analysis of vast amounts of data, raising legitimate concerns about how this data is used, stored, and protected. 

In Saudi Arabia, where smart city initiatives such as NEOM are at the forefront of national development plans, there is an acute need for clear and transparent governance frameworks around data privacy. Without such measures, public engagement with smart city platforms may be limited, as citizens hesitate to fully participate in a system they perceive as intrusive or unsafe. But by giving them easy ways to control the data that their city uses, they can feel empowered to offer the data that they know will improve their lives, and restrict access to data that they feel won’t, and impacts on their personal privacy. 

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Involving citizens in urban innovation 

One of the most promising solutions for tackling the risk of social disconnection in smart cities is the concept of co-creation – where citizens are actively involved in developing and implementing solutions to urban challenges, and creating enjoyable, interactive, inclusive shared experiences. The research emphasises the importance of fostering collaboration between residents, local authorities, and private organisations in the design and governance of smart cities and how their communities are curated. 

For example, Barcelona’s Decidim platform allows residents to participate in decision-making processes and contribute to local projects, fostering a sense of ownership and community. Similarly, other cities around the world have introduced initiatives that empower citizens to propose solutions to urban problems, collaborate with their neighbours, and influence local policy. 

Co-creation can play a vital role in ensuring that these new urban environments are not only technologically advanced but also socially connected and culturally relevant. Involving residents in the planning and ongoing organisational process can help to ensure that smart cities meet the unique needs of local communities, enhancing both engagement and satisfaction. 

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Creating effective feedback loops 

An integral part of fostering community engagement in smart cities is the establishment of robust feedback loops. As the research points out, many smart cities lack formal mechanisms for residents to provide feedback on urban services or new initiatives. Without these channels, there is a risk that city planners may be unaware of the concerns, needs or potential exciting ideas of local populations, leading to a sense of alienation among residents. 

To address this, smart cities should develop platforms that enable ongoing, two-way communication between citizens and city planners. By providing opportunities for residents to voice their opinions, smart cities can ensure that their initiatives are responsive to the evolving needs and demands of their communities.

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A way forward: Smart cities with a heart 

The future of smart cities depends not just on the sophistication of their technological infrastructure but on their ability to foster human connections and social engagement. As cities continue to invest in digital technologies, they must also prioritise building inclusive, community-driven urban environments. 

By addressing the key challenges outlined – improving public awareness, respecting cultural differences, bridging the digital divide, building trust in technology, and contributing ideas and effort to community development – smart cities can create more meaningful connections between residents and the services designed to enhance their lives. Co-creation and feedback mechanisms will be essential to ensuring that smart cities evolve in response to the needs and aspirations of their populations. 

Ultimately, for smart cities to succeed, they must be more than just technologically advanced. They must be socially cohesive, fostering communities where people feel empowered, engaged, and connected. Only then can smart cities truly fulfill their potential, creating not only more efficient urban spaces but also more equitable, enjoyable and inclusive ones.

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