In my role as a local elected official in charge of the smart city, I had the opportunity to play a direct role in the digital transformation of our territory. This position has allowed me to engage in a comprehensive analysis of the necessity for the development of a robust political vision to guide this urban transition. This article is the result of my experience in the field and my belief that each technological initiative should be structured around a shared vision in order to create a smart city that serves a common future.
The construction of a smart city is, above all, a political undertaking. When we discuss smart cities, we are not merely referring to technologies or sophisticated infrastructure. Rather, we are talking about a political vision that brings a territory to life. What are the key reasons for developing a clear and unified political vision for a specific territory? It is vital to guarantee that each technological advancement is aligned with a shared societal objective. The following topics will be covered in this discussion.
This idea is neither mine nor new; in fact, I have been inspired by many leaders. Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s iconic leader, asserted that “collective vision makes it possible to achieve the impossible“. In Europe, Winston Churchill said that “success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to go on that counts“. This courage to pursue ambitious political projects is crucial to building smart cities that serve the common good.
Another great example is Deng Xiaoping, the architect of China’s modernisation in the 1980s. Deng Xiaoping understood that profound change requires not only economic and technological change, but above all a firm and determined political direction. The same applies to smart cities. We need to be able to imagine a future in which technologies don’t just simplify processes, but transform our lives in a sustainable and humane way, guided by a vision rooted in the needs of citizens.
This policy orientation is not an abstraction. It must be translated into concrete choices: how can we design public spaces that encourage human interaction? What services should be prioritised to ensure equal access for all citizens? Patrice Lumumba, a key figure in Congolese independence, taught us the value of justice and equality. Similarly, Simone Veil in France has always defended the idea that equality and human dignity must be the foundations of any prosperous society. This should also apply to smart cities, where every citizen has the right to equal access to resources and opportunities. These ideals must guide our vision of smart cities: cities where digital infrastructure is accessible to all, without discrimination, and where the entire population benefits from the progress made.
Recently, Xi Jinping has often emphasised the importance of ‘people-centred‘ urbanisation and the need to put people at the heart of any urban development policy. Similarly, Angela Merkel, as German Chancellor, has always emphasised the need to reconcile technological modernity with social well-being. A smart city should be inspired by these values, ensuring that progress benefits all citizens without creating social divisions.
I have had the opportunity to observe numerous Smart City initiatives and am convinced that the success of these projects hinges on the political vision that underpins them. A smart city must align with the cultural, social, and economic realities of its territory. To achieve this, it requires the support of leaders who can articulate a clear vision, one that inspires citizens and unites them around common goals. For a smart city to succeed, it must be an inclusive and shared project. Kwame Nkrumah, the father of Ghanaian independence, emphasized this point when he spoke of the power of unity to achieve great goals.
When developing a political vision for the Smart City, it is essential to consider the long-term implications. What role do we want to play in shaping the future? What kind of society do we want to see emerge? To achieve this, we need to create structures that not only address today’s challenges but also anticipate and adapt to future transformations. This is a complex undertaking that requires political determination and strong leadership, capable of balancing present realities with future aspirations.
I encourage you to join me in considering the vision we should be developing for our smart cities. While technology can be fascinating, it must be used to serve a greater human and political purpose. A smart city is not just about sensors and data; it is the result of a unified community, guided by a clear and shared vision of its future. It is this vision that gives it its strength, resilience, and ability to transform lives.