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Evidence-Based Public Policy Decision-Making in Smart Cities: Does Extant Theory Support Achievement of City Sustainability Objectives?

Author

Listed:
  • David Mills

    (Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coolangatta 4225, Australia)

  • Steven Pudney

    (Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coolangatta 4225, Australia)

  • Primož Pevcin

    (Faculty of Public Administration, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Jaroslav Dvorak

    (Department of Public Administration and Political Sciences, Klaipėda University, 92227 Klaipeda, Lithuania
    School of Public Management, Governance & Public Policy, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa)

Abstract

Evidence-based decision making is promoted as offering efficiency and effectiveness; however, its uptake has faced barriers such as underdeveloped supporting culture, limited access to evidence, and evidence that is not fully relevant. Smart city conceptualizations offer economic and environmental sustainability and better quality of life through evidence-based policy decision-making. We wondered whether smart city theory and practice has advanced the knowledge of evidence-based decision-making. We searched major databases for literature containing a mention of smart cities, decision-making, and policy. We identified relevant literature from a range of disciplines and supplemented these by following backwards and forwards citations. Evidence-based decision-making was found mostly in literature regarding the theory and practice of smart city operations, and, to lesser extents, the articles regarding policy decisions and tactical decisions. Better decision-making which supported the achievement of city sustainability objectives was reported in some articles; however, we found significant obstacles to the further achievement of city objectives in the areas of underachievement in collaborative decision-making, privileging of big data evidence, and artificial intelligence agents as decision-makers. We assembled a definition of smart city decision-making and developed an agenda of research which will support city governments, theorists, and practitioners in better achieving sustainability through improved decision-making.

Suggested Citation

  • David Mills & Steven Pudney & Primož Pevcin & Jaroslav Dvorak, 2021. "Evidence-Based Public Policy Decision-Making in Smart Cities: Does Extant Theory Support Achievement of City Sustainability Objectives?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-23, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2021:i:1:p:3-:d:707183
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Hanifa Shah, 2023. "Beyond Smart: How ICT Is Enabling Sustainable Cities of the Future," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-22, August.

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