Demo Smart

The DemoSmart study examined the correlation between the socio-demographic development of cities and their path toward the implementation of a Smart City concept.

For this purpose, based on a data set of the 78 largest Austrian cities (with the exception of Vienna), a correlation analysis of the similarities and differences of Austrian cities was analyzed and five distinct types of cities derived.

On the basis of five demographic town types, an expert survey determined the suitability of various types of pre-defined Smart City sets of measures for the respective types of cities. These Smart City measures were then collected, systematized and grouped into sets of measures. Finally, these measures were then evaluated for their suitability for the five types of cities by means of expert knowledge. This analysis was complemented by a study of literature and arguments condensed in action for specific cities. The Smart City set of measures relates to the topics a) urban development, building and open space, b) supply and disposal: energy, water, waste, c) transport and mobility, and d) information and communication technologies.

In summary, it can be stated that most Smart City measures are not so strongly dependent on demographics that they should be excluded in certain types of cities. Nevertheless, sensitivity is required in the choice and particular actions in the fine adjustment of measures. In particular, when measures are implemented at the community level, where socio-demographic differences are generally more significant than in the comparison between cities, consideration of the specific population structure and dynamics is recommended.

Result

For the development of a city toward the smart city concept, addressing the following topics is useful:

  • Dynamics of population change, as it determines the pressure for action,
  • Population number and structure, as these are relevant in terms of a critical mass of users for dissemination of new technologies and the utilization of infrastructure,
  • long-term investment behavior and short-term supply and usage behavior of different user groups of the population, as smart city sets of measures pose specific requirements for users.

All smart city sets of measures were generally assessed as positive, but for the respective types of cities, some are more and some are less suitable.
In addition to the analysis of the suitability of individual sets of measures for an entire city, consideration of the sets of measures is necessary on the district or quarter level. Different spatial and social structure types in the different districts require the recommendation of different sets of measures. This means that proposed recommendations can indeed serve as a basis for decisions regarding the city as a whole; however, implementation and impact of the sets of measures on a micro level should be considered in more detail.
For a presentation of the results as a Prezi presentation, please click here.

Project management Green City LAB - Österreichisches Institut für nachhaltige Lebensräume Dr. Ing. Martin Berger +43(0)699 188 707 44 martin.berger@greencitylab.at