A Participative Method for Prioritizing Smart City Interventions in Medium-Sized Municipalities

Abstract

One of the most critical issues relating to smart cities is the selection of the most suited interventions, among numerous available options. Especially when medium-sized municipalities are concerned that typically have less capabilities and available expertise, the need for a methodological framework for supporting the selection of possible interventions is profound. The aim of this article is to propose such a participative method for investigating the sectors in which a municipality could take actions, and for deciding on possible interventions. The approach includes citizens' opinion, municipality policy, and the organizational, technological and economic status of the municipality, as well as best practices from other smart cities. This way, a multi-criteria decision support model was developed, in order to select the best application scenarios for a medium-sized municipality. The model was applied in Samos Island in Greece, revealing that citizens show great interest in the development of smart applications. The whole approach can be easily applied, with the proper modifications, in a large variety of cities, offering a useful tool to decision makers and societies.