How the digital divide affects citizen participation in smart city policy-making : a case study analysis of Kowloon East in Hong Kong

Abstract

It is clear that digital innovation has changed the way in which urban infrastructure, services and decision-making are reconfigured as cities around the world adopt advanced information technology to enhance their efficiency and quality of life. However, the success of smart cities mostly depends on citizen cooperation, which has made an existing challenge due to different reasons such as the digital divide. Specifically, this study attempts to identify the impact of a digital divide on citizen participation in smart city circulation case discussion based on a partial history as undecided issues concerning Kowloon East have been implementing its new smart city development programme. Through a comprehensive literature review and a Delphi survey of experts in the field of smart cities, this study identifies key factors that are affected by the digital divide and influence citizen participation. Through a comprehensive literature review and a Delphi survey of experts in the field of smart cities, this study identifies key factors that are affected by the digital divide and influence citizen participation. Key findings indicate that limited access to the internet, varying degrees of digital divide and barriers to getting involved in the policy-making processes significantly impact citizen participation in smart city initiatives. The survey results are analyzed from three perspectives: digital divide, citizen participation and service accessibility. The study concludes that alleviating the digital divide is critical to promoting more inclusive and participatory smart cities, and proposes a smart city framework with reference value. To address this, policy changes focused on improving digital accessibility, strengthening digital literacy programs and providing technical assistance are recommended to put forward. In addition, it is recommended to foster inclusive digital platforms and community outreach programs to ensure broader citizen participation. These measures will not only enhance citizen participation but also contribute to more efficient and equitable urban development, thereby ensuring that all residents in Kowloon East and beyond can enjoy the benefits of smart cities. The significance of these findings highlights the importance of comprehensive and inclusive strategies in the formulation and implementation of smart city policies.