2024/03/20 by Giovanni Esposito, Andrea Terlizzi, Jonathan Desdemoustier +2 · 1 voice
Business, Management and Accounting · Engineering · Social Sciences · #E-Government and Public Services #Innovative Approaches in Technology and Social Development #Smart Cities and Technologies
paper · doi:10.1080/01900692.2024.2329672
openalex publication_date 2024/03/20 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
This article examines how mayors in Belgium facilitate smart city development through interactions with actors in public administrations, businesses, and civil society. By applying public entrepreneurship and actor-network theories, it explores actions mayors can take to establish urban innovation networks. The research reveals mayors’ crucial role in translating initial ambiguous smart city ideas into public programs shared and implemented by diverse multiple stakeholders. They do so by providing a strategic vision, managing municipal administrations’ institutional environment, and mobilizing public support. These findings underscore mayors’ significance in shaping collective innovation narratives, institutional contexts, and promoting democratic participation in smart city development.