THE ROLE OF DATA GOVERNANCE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF INCLUSIVE SMART CITIES

As more cities turn to information and communications technology (ICT) for the efficient delivery of public services, there are huge potentials to improve access to better infrastructure and services, including water supply and waste disposal facilities, urban transport networks, safer public spaces and improved public engagement or interaction. At the heart of this smart city initiatives is a big and robust data ecosystem that generates insights, stimulates innovation and efficiency, improves productivity and delivers wider social, economic and cultural benefits. The nature of the available data for providing these solutions, predictions and decisions can advance or impede inclusion in cities. Harnessing the benefits of smart cities for all communities is therefore mainly dependent on a functional data economy with good quality data and responsible governance approaches. The paper identifies the roles data governance can play in developing inclusive smart cities and then suggests a sustainable smart city data governance framework that is aimed at fostering inclusion by aligning with diverse objectives for and by residents.