Sustainable Yet Unequal: The Mixed Legacy of South Korea's Smart City Projects

The study evaluates the impact of smart city developments in South Korea, revealing that while these initiatives enhance economic growth and environmental sustainability, they also pose challenges related to social equity, transparency, and privacy. The findings underscore the need for a balanced approach that integrates both technological advancements and inclusive, citizen-centered policies.

A study conducted by Yirang Lim from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at TU Delft, Jurian Edelenbos from the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences at Erasmus University, Rotterdam, and Alberto Gianoli from IHS, Erasmus University, Rotterdam provides a comprehensive analysis of the effects of smart city initiatives on urban sustainability by developing the Smart City Impact Index, an empirical tool used to assess the outcomes of smart city projects in South Korea. Smart cities are often hailed for their potential to enhance economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life through advanced technologies and integrated urban management strategies. However, there has been limited empirical evidence on how these benefits are realized, and to what extent. This study aims to fill that gap by examining both the positive and negative impacts of smart city developments, offering a nuanced view of their effectiveness across various dimensions, including economic, environmental, social, governance, and technological aspects.

Evaluating South Korea’s Smart City Initiatives

The research focuses on South Korea, a country that has been at the forefront of smart city development since the mid-2000s. The study categorizes South Korean cities into three types: first-wave smart cities, which primarily focus on transportation and security infrastructure; second-wave smart cities, which emphasize comprehensive urban management; and non-smart cities, which have not yet implemented smart city initiatives. By applying the Smart City Impact Index to these city types, the researchers compare their performance in 2008, when many smart city projects were initiated, and in 2018, to evaluate the long-term effects of these developments. The findings reveal that second-wave smart cities consistently scored the highest in the index across both years, indicating that comprehensive urban management approaches have been more successful in achieving sustainable urban development than the earlier, more infrastructure-focused efforts. These cities demonstrated significant improvements in economic indicators such as GRDP per capita and local income tax per capita, which reflect increased income levels and economic growth. They also showed progress in reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability. Moreover, citizen satisfaction with life and their perception of income equality were higher in second-wave smart cities, suggesting that these developments have had a positive impact on the social fabric of the urban environment.

Challenges and Social Consequences

However, the study also uncovers some of the challenges and negative consequences associated with smart city initiatives. While second-wave smart cities excelled in many areas, they also scored lower in certain social and governance dimensions, particularly concerning transparency and privacy. The research indicates that the rapid adoption of advanced technologies in smart cities has led to increased concerns about government transparency and the protection of personal data. For instance, the perception of government transparency and democracy decreased more in smart cities compared to non-smart cities over the decade. This suggests that while smart city developments can enhance certain aspects of urban life, they can also erode public trust in governmental institutions if not managed carefully. Additionally, the study found that the employment rate among socially marginalized groups, such as the elderly and low-educated individuals, decreased in smart cities. This points to the risk that smart city projects, while beneficial in many respects, may not be inclusive enough, potentially exacerbating social inequalities if the needs of vulnerable populations are not adequately addressed.

Pre-Existing Advantages and Their Influence

The research further highlights the pre-existing advantages that second-wave smart cities had over non-smart cities, which may have influenced their ability to achieve better outcomes. These cities were already more economically developed, with higher GRDP per capita and better infrastructure, which likely provided a stronger foundation for the successful implementation of smart city initiatives. This raises important questions about the replicability of smart city successes in less developed urban areas, where the initial conditions may not be as favorable. The study underscores the importance of a balanced approach to smart city development that goes beyond the implementation of "hard" infrastructure, such as transportation and ICT networks, to include "soft" strategies that promote social inclusion, community engagement, and governance reforms.

Balancing Innovation with Inclusivity

While smart cities hold significant promise for enhancing urban sustainability, this study reveals that their impacts are complex and multifaceted. The benefits of smart city developments, such as economic growth, environmental improvements, and increased citizen satisfaction, are tempered by challenges related to social equity, governance, and privacy. The findings suggest that for smart city projects to be truly successful, they must be designed and implemented with a focus on inclusivity, transparency, and the equitable distribution of benefits across all segments of the population. As the concept of smart cities continues to evolve, future research and policy efforts should aim to address these challenges, ensuring that the smart cities of tomorrow are not only technologically advanced but also socially just and democratically accountable.