Different organizational models and roles in smart city systems

Structured Abstract Purpose – In this paper we will investigate different organizational models and roles delivered by actors in smart city systems. A smart city strategy aims at using technology to increase the quality of life in urban space, both improving the environmental quality and delivering better services to the citizens. Our case study analysis referring to smart city platforms takes place within a research project (Orchestra - ORganization of Cultural HEritage for Smart Tourism and Real-time Accessibility) meant to develop a set of technological and organizational solutions to foster the smart, sustainable and ecologically compatible exploitation of cultural heritage and touristic resources in the city of Napoli. Design/methodology/approach – Our research was based on a qualitative investigation. In particular we analyze a set of international cases analyzed during a research project funded by the Italian Ministry for University and Research. The selected cases are representatives of different governance structures, technologies adopted and phases of maturity in the development of integrated smart city applications. The collection of empirical data was carried out using a heterogeneous plurality of instruments. The methods include: document analysis, semi-structured interviews and participant observations. Fieldwork was carried out between September 2012 and early July 2013. Originality/value –This research present a preliminary view of a smart city developments. Analyzing different cases from Europe, USA and Asia we recognize common features and different characteristics in cities’ smart planning and development.The paper presents a first attempt to study different stages of maturity in the development of a smart city system. Practical implications – First, from the analyses carried out, it would seem that models for development of integrated systems for smart city tourism-mobility are still under developed. Moreover, in many cases, ”archipelago" logic of specialization seems to prevail, with the proliferation of separate and distinct applications for application domains rather than aiming towards integration. The development of inter-organisational relationships with service and technology providers by local public transport companies has proved much easier, as there is a strong incumbent operator with consolidated experience as a catalyst for innovation.