Governing disruptive technologies for inclusive development in cities: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Cities are increasingly adopting advanced technologies to address complex challenges. Applying technologies such as information and communication technology, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and autonomous systems in cities' design, planning, and management can cause disruptive changes in their social, economic, and environmental composition. Through a systematic literature review, this research develops a conceptual model linking (1) the dominant city labels relating to tech-driven urban development, (2) the characteristics and applications of disruptive technologies, and (3) the current understanding of inclusive urban development. We extend the discussion by identifying and incorporating the motivations behind adopting disruptive technologies and the challenges they present to inclusive development. We find that inclusive development in tech-driven cities can be realised if governments develop suitable adaptive regulatory frameworks for involving technology companies, build policy capacity, and adopt more adaptive models of governance. We also stress the importance of acknowledging the influence of digital literacy and smart citizenship, and exploring other dimensions of inclusivity, for governing disruptive technologies in inclusive smart cities.