Page 51 - U4SSC Compendium of survey results on integrated digital solutions for city platforms around the world

5.7 Key Factors and Barriers to Implementation

A key factor prior to the implementation of a smart city strategy in the city is the need for a clear,
objective and shared approach to the project by political and technical leaders. It is a long-term,
strategic project with a broad scope that includes the entire organization. A project to create a
paradigm shift in the entire management model with radical changes in management style needs
to introduce measures to allay concerns people may have of rejection and the fear of information
being “stolen” or of being “watched” or “controlled” by Big Data-backed systems that function like
islands. It is not an accumulation of individual or pilot projects; it requires a global platform and
far-reaching strategic planning.

The project seeks to promote a cultural change that enables the evolution of a passive and receptive
citizenship to an active, participatory and super-connected environment. In addition, it embodies
a shift towards an efficient and sustainable government by changing the management model and
on a process of evaluation and continuous improvement based on verifiable indicators.

The project includes the data and systems of the entire organization and is designed to integrate
with citizens and other external systems. It involves all municipal services and at all levels of the
organization. It implies a complicated execution process, developed in several phases. It also
envisages a long-term political outlook and is not suitable for those looking for short-term gain.

Compendium of survey results on integrated digital solutions for city platforms around the world 39