Maria  Kola-Bezka

Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland

mkola@econ.umk.pl

Smart cities in Central and Eastern Europe: viable future or unfulfilled dream?

Mariusz Czupich

Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland

czupich@umk.pl

Aranka Ignasiak-Szulc

Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland

aranka@umk.pl

Abstract. The objective of the paper is to analyse the state of implementing the idea of smart cities in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) by identifying the most widely used smart solutions on its area. The authors give definitions of a smart city and indicate the variety of methods and tools for implementing the concept in practice. Then they focus on selected rankings of smart cities and examine a few successful examples of smart initiatives from CEE. As a result of the analyses, the authors state that the philosophy of a smart city is to identify and implement the most efficient ways of providing public services in cities. The authors also found that in spite of the fact that CEE cities are not European leaders in terms of the ongoing smart initiatives and rankings of smart cities, within their territories smart solutions are implemented increasingly and more effectively. The authors indicate that the main advantage of implementing intelligent solutions in CEE cities might be building their brands and thereby encouraging the influx of new residents, investors and tourists. Although these solutions are not a comprehensive set of management tools for authorities of a city, smart cities are slowly becoming reality in CEE.

Received: November, 2015

1st Revision: December, 2015

Accepted: February, 2016

DOI: 10.14254/2071-8330.2016/9-1/6

JEL Classification: R00, R58, O18, O52.

Keywords: smart city, Central and Eastern Europe, rankings of smart cities, benefits and prospects of implementation of smart solutions in CEE