Smart Cities as Focal Entities for Strategic Communication - Considering the Public's Concerns Regarding the Use of Information and Communication Technology

Abstract

This paper addresses the people’s knowledge, acceptance and attitude towards the concept of the Smart City. Therefore, inhabitants of Leipzig (Germany) and Tallinn (Estonia) were surveyed online and asked to evaluate 10 technologies that can be used in a Smart City and to rate the Smart City concept itself. First, results show significant differences in the level of knowledge and acceptance towards smart technologies between citizens of Leipzig and Tallinn. In addition, the data provides information on the extent to which citizens are willing to live in a Smart City and how they perceive its advantages. Second, the data provides information about perceived opportunities and risks towards the Smart City and thus gives information about which aspects should be addressed in future strategic communication in order to increase the people’s trust and acceptance.