Evolving Towards a Smart City: The Case Of Israel

Abstract

This research examines Tel Aviv's transformation into a smart city to better understand the processes, governance and technology that facilitate change and what other cities can learn from it. The study was conducted to understand how growing digital inequalities might be addressed and to consider if the Tel Aviv model—rooted in citizen engagement and based on Digi-Tel—can serve as an example that is inclusive, and replicable. The study offers both theoretical and practical contributions, especially through the application of socio-technical systems and innovation diffusion theories. Based on a qualitative case study, interviews with 40 key stakeholders, were conducted. The study found that Tel Aviv's strategy is based on a bottom-up, citizen-centered approach anchored in the principles of digital inclusion, focusing on practical, daily, everyday services of every-day people in Tel Aviv, paired with multi-sector partnerships, engagement, and collaborations. Further, the most promising way to successfully integrate smart cities and the philosophy of inclusion and equity is to place the citizen first. The study concludes with recommendations that prioritize public engagement, citizen-centered design, integrated governance models, ethical data considerations, and support for smaller to mid-sized municipalities, which connect to many themes and issues raised throughout this study. The significance of this research is the need for cities to develop and continue strategies that are inclusive for all participants in smart cities; subsequent processes based on democratic engagement, transparency, and sustainability in connection to urban innovations and smart cities.