New Technologies in Urban Management: From Artificial Intelligence to Multiverse
On April 19, a joint session of the Russian Cluster Observatory and the International Laboratory of Digital Transformation in Public Administration was held as part of the International Scientific Symposium “Foresight and Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy.” The session, titled “New Technologies in Urban Management: From Artificial Intelligence to Multiverse,” brought together experts and scientists from around the world to discuss advanced approaches to urban space management.
The session was moderated by Kirill Tyurchev, an expert from the Center "Russian Cluster Observatory" at the ISIEZ of the National Research University Higher School of Economics. Participants included Mauricio Buskela, head of the Center for Smart Cities and Big Data at Insper; Tatyana Ostashchenko, leading expert of the same center; and Anna Sanina, leading researcher at the International Laboratory of Digital Transformation in Public Administration at the National Research University Higher School of Economics.
The session addressed important issues such as the leadership potential in applying new digital technologies, the dynamics of relationships between government, business, and society, and the challenges and threats that may arise from the introduction of digital technologies in urban governance.
The exchange of opinions and experiences at such events contributes not only to the expansion of knowledge in the field of innovation but also to the formation of new directions for further research and practical activities in smart city management. The participants of the session agreed that discussing the leadership potential of applying new digital technologies is important because leadership in this area not only improves the quality of city management but also sets standards for other cities and countries. By developing and implementing innovative digital solutions in urban space management, leading cities demonstrate how to effectively address complex urban challenges such as smart traffic management, environmental monitoring, and optimization of municipal services. This, in turn, improves the overall standard of living for citizens and attracts investments that promote economic development.
The session focused on discussing which cities are considered leaders in the implementation of modern technologies, and why. Participants shared experiences from various countries where the application of artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has significantly improved the efficiency of urban management. This has led to cost reductions, resource savings, and improved quality of life for citizens, making management processes more responsive and adapted to current needs and changes in the urban environment.
The discussion also touched upon changes in the dynamics of interactions between the authorities, the business community, and the civilian population in the context of digitalization. Experts suggested that new technologies open up unprecedented opportunities for citizens to participate in the management of urban processes through feedback and decision-making platforms. The dynamics of the relationship between government, business, and society also plays a key role in the process of digital transformation of urban governance. This, in turn, can contribute to a more transparent and inclusive governance system, building trust between the government and society. The interaction between these parties determines how successfully and efficiently new technologies will be implemented. Opening up data, co-designing urban solutions, and involving citizens in the planning and decision-making process can significantly improve the efficiency of governance and meet the needs of residents. This model of cooperation helps to overcome bureaucratic barriers and resistance to change that inevitably accompanies the introduction of digital innovations in public administration.
The session also raised the risks and challenges associated with the introduction of new technologies, including data security, privacy issues, and the risk of increasing social inequalities. Participants proposed various strategic solutions to minimize these risks, such as developing strict regulatory frameworks and implementing innovative methods to ensure digital inclusion and accessibility.
A recording of the session is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuFXz3oThDc