Can a Small City Become Smarter? An evaluation of Viana do Castelo based on a stakeholder perspective

• Author(s): Bernardino, Susana ; Freitas Santos, José ; Fernandes, Catarina
• Date: 2024
• Origin: European Journal of Applied Business and Management
• Document Type: Journal article
• Language: English

Description

 Purpose: Using the city of Viana do Castelo as a case study, the aim of this paper is to analyse the capacity of a city to transform itself into a Smart City. The specific objectives are: (i) to analyse the perception of the concept of Smart Cities by the different stakeholders; and (ii) to analyse the potential of Viana do Castelo to become a Smart City, considering the economic, human, living, governance, environmental and mobility dimensions.Methodology: A qualitative methodology was used. Primary data was collected from a wide range of stakeholders in the city, such as the local authority, a higher education institution, private companies, business associations and residents. A total of 15 stakeholders were interviewed between August and September 2022.Results: The results show that the city of Viana do Castelo is still in the early stages of its transformation into a smart city, despite the potential perceived by stakeholders in some dimensions. The development that has taken place in terms of the environment and quality of life is positive. However, in order to become a smart city, major investments are still needed in the areas of mobility and people. The economic dimension, despite the progress made in recent years, still needs significant improvement if it is to fulfil its potential as a Smart City.Research limitations: Primary data is collected through stakeholders' perceptions as actors in cities. Despite the advantages it offers, this is also recognized as a limitation.Practical implications: The results have important practical implications for different actors in a city, such as local governments, citizens, companies and other kind of organizations, who can use the knowledge to inform their decision-making. In addition, the results could be important for policy makers in the development of public policies.Originality: The paper explores the issue of smart cities in the context of small and medium sized cities.Keywords: Urban planning; City management; Smart cities; Stakeholders, Viana do Castelo.Acknowledgements: The authors acknowledge the financial support from National Funds of the FCT – Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology within the project UIDB/05422/2020DOI: https://doi.org/10.58869/EJABM10(3)/03